Tinder’s 2024 Year in Swipe report exposes dating trend on the rise
New data has revealed single Aussies are sick of a bad dating habit, spawning a new trend that proves “daters are no longer willing to settle”.
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“Do not talk to me if you’re not looking for something serious.”
That’s the sentence appearing in more dating profiles than ever as fed-up single Aussies push to end a frustratingly common experience when looking for love.
New data shows daters are demanding “transparency and intention” as well as “open communication” as part of a growing new trend dubbed “loud looking” by Tinder in its 2024 Year in Swipe report.
‘Loud looking’ leaves guessing games in the past
Singles are prioritising trustworthiness (40 per cent), physical attraction (35 per cent), shared values (31%), emotional availability (30 per cent) – showing a widespread push back against bad dating habits such as “ghosting” and “breadcrumbing”.
“Daters are no longer willing to settle for ambiguity or mixed signals,” Kirsty Dunn, director of communications at Tinder Australia, told news.com.au.
“Instead, they’re seeking connections that align with their values and offer real, meaningful interactions.
“This trend is reshaping dating into a more purposeful and intentional experience.”
Daters are “taking charge” of their journey to finding love, with the dating app revealing that bios are now full of statements that say loud and clear exactly what they want.
“Looking for …” was Tinder’s top bio mention in 2024, showing that people are being upfront from the start.
And in 2025, a quarter of singles are bringing optimism into their quest for love, spawning the rise of another new dating trend dubbed “nanoship”.
What is a nanoship?
Ms Dunn explained that the growing trend is used to described a romantic connection that is often “so small it might seem insignificant to some, yet it holds meaning”.
“It could be as fleeting as a shared glance on the bus, an exchange of smiles at a coffee shop, or a ‘good morning’ text from someone who brings a little extra brightness to your day,” she said.
“These micro-connections are about finding joy in the little sparks along the way while on the journey to finding ‘the one’.
“They highlight the importance of appreciating small moments and seeing potential in every interaction.”
But while some might argue a nanoship feels a little like setting the bar too low, Tinder reckons we expect nanoships to keep “thriving as singles enjoy the fun of these micro-connections while searching for their forever person”.
Ms Dunn said the new dating trend reflects a shift in how singles approach dating.
“Many daters are now choosing to embrace optimism, focusing on small, meaningful interactions rather than waiting for grand romantic gestures,” she said.
“They’re bringing positivity into their dating experiences and finding joy in these tiny moments. This is part of a broader trend of prioritising quality over quantity and valuing authentic, real-world connections.
“The rise of nanoships actually speaks to a more mindful and intentional approach to dating. Singles are rejecting the idea that meaningful connections need to be dramatic or larger-than-life.
“Instead, they’re recognising the magic in small, everyday interactions, finding positivity in the little things that bring joy.”
She added that the trend is a “reflection of resilience and hope” that shows even in a chaotic world, daters are leaning into optimism and creating their own happiness.
‘Hopecore’ trend emerges
This sentiment spills through into the next trend exposed by Tinder’s 2024 Year in Swipe report.
Singles are valuing optimism more than ever with many embracing “hopecore,” a mindset that focuses on positivity and joy in relationships.
“Given we live in a world filled with political tensions and economic pressures, this cultural shift toward optimism in dating, is very encouraging,” Ms Dunn said.
“Singles are putting greater value on uplifting connections and traits like trustworthiness and loyalty and these preferences align with the growing popularity of ‘golden retriever energy’ in partners, symbolising dependability and positivity.”
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Originally published as Tinder’s 2024 Year in Swipe report exposes dating trend on the rise