Most bizarre dating trends of 2022 revealed

Experts are warning singles to steer clear of a new dating trend that sees people use “toxic” tactics to reel an uninterested partner back in.

Forget Dolly Doctor – everyone is turning to TikTok these days to get their dating advice.

But while there are some tips and tricks we’d all recognise, some of the advice singletons are following has many of us scratching our heads.

From the downright bizarre to the horrifyingly scary, news.com.au’s I’ve Got News For You podcast has delved into the biggest dating trends of the year so you don’t have to.

Vabbing

The art of dabbing vaginal fluid on your body like perfume to attract a love interest isn’t new, but it has been all over social media recently.

While it’s a bit out there, the belief is that the natural pheromones in the fluid will help entice a potential partner.

It didn’t take long for the unorthodox dating tip to take off with women sharing their results after giving it a whirl.

Some were shocked by the technique, including I’ve Got News For You host Andrew Bucklow who labelled it “the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard”.

But despite some swearing blind the “disgusting” trick bagged them a date, gynaecologists and obstetricians later confirmed it doesn’t work.

Thankfully though, there’s no harm in the trend, as long as your hands are clean and you don’t have an infection.

So if it gives your a confidence boost, you can totally go for it.

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Voice-fishing

Now brace yourself, as this next trend is a little creepy.

Voice-fishing has popped up since dating apps introduced voice notes features which allow you to record messages for potential dates to listen to.

Just like cat-fishing, which involves hiding your true appearance, voice-fishing is the term given to those altering their voices to appear more attractive.

It’s become such a problem, Hinge actually acknowledged voice-fishing was an issue, reporting half of their users have become less attracted to a match after hearing the sound of their voice.

So to avoid turning off potential mates with a thick accent, singletons are putting on voices to appear more desirable.

As some social media users have pointed out, it’s kinda creepy and also kind of sad. Maybe we should stop being so picky?

Lazy one-night stands

This woman went viral for sharing the dating trend. Picture: TikTok/@jacquieslife

We’ve dubbed it the ‘lazy booty call’. Picture: TikTok/@jacquieslife

Another wild dating trend that’s gathering momentum at the moment is what we’re calling the lazy booty call.

We’re all familiar with that amorous text, often received or sent late at night after a few drinks.

But this is the 2022 version and involves posting sexy selfies to a select group of targets using the “close friends” feature on Instagram in the hopes of getting lucky.

Reaction to this one has been divisive though, with some labelling it “genius” while others called it “embarrassing”.

Some women have reported the technique can get a little heated, as guys send explicit images back showing they’re definitely interested.

Stay toxic

If you’ve ever dated someone who appears to be losing interest, there’s a dating trend sweeping social media that gives untoward tips on how to reel them back in.

The “stay toxic” dating trend tells people how to get someone’s attention using manipulative behaviours – and to say they’re popular is an understatement.

An example getting a lot of attention on TikTok advises women to send a text at 1am to a guy who cancelled on her stating: “I’m here.”

This eludes to the man who lost interest that you have someone else lined up to take his place, hence the “toxic” name – as let’s be honest, using these tricks are never going to secure a healthy, happy relationship.

A manipulative dating trend labelled ‘stay toxic’ has also recently emerged. Picture: TikTok/alexandraozz

While the videos are satire, experts are worried young and impressionable people will believe it. Picture: TikTok/alexandraozz

Another says: “If he’s got other females making him smile, be special, make him cry instead.”

Videos with the hashtag staytoxic have clocked up over 500 million views – which is a whole lot of bad advice.

While the videos online are often meant to be satire, experts are worried that young and impressionable people are going to see this and think it’s good or sound advice.

Originally published as Most bizarre dating trends of 2022 revealed