In the digital age, chivalry is both dead and alive

• GenZ daters are reshaping chivalry as acts of respect and consideration, finds a QuackQuack study
• Traditional gender roles in online dating are evolving, say 43% of GenZs
• Women making the first move is not longer rare, say 23% of men under 28

Must you open the door to a lady, or will she be offended by it? In a world of rapidly evolving dating standards, the largesse is always in doubt when it comes to the right thing to do. According to a study by dating app QuackQuack, people still hold chivalry in high regard. But it’s not confined to male-centric traditions only, and has transcended gender boundaries. The concept of mediaeval knightly code of morals has evolved to denote equality and respect; not just opening doors and pulling out chairs.

As per a survey of 18-25 year olds, 45% GenZ daters now regard acts of respect and consideration as chivalry. A considerable percentage of women too (37%) said their expression of chivalry might be different at times. Shared responsibilities in a relationship and going the extra mile for their partner is a part of chivalry, they say.

The study also highlights that 43% of GenZ, as opposed to 21% of millennials, think the traditional gender roles in online dating are evolving. The study sampled 15,000 online daters, 18-30, spanning metropolitan and small cities and suburbs, participated in the study.

“We have seen a remarkable and consistent change in the gender dynamics. With women confidently taking the initiative and men embracing vulnerability, expressing emotions more openly than the preceding generation of daters,” said Ravi Mittal, founder and CEO of QuackQuack.

First move: A disappearing concept?

Since time immemorial, custom has had it that men generally ask women out. The study now shows that this too is changing as gender fluidity takes centre stage. The study shows that 23% of men under 28 revealed being approached by women.

This shows that GenZs, both men and women, are comfortable taking the lead, enabling a more equal approach to planning and organising romantic engagements.

In turn, rejection is also not a woman’s domain now. Men can reject too, said 21% of GenZ daters between 20 and 26. As many as 18% of women revealed getting rejected by their love interest for conflicting values or perspectives.

Mard ko dard – Fade away

The way men behave in relationships and while dating can be ascribed to pop culture often. The stereotype of ‘men don’t cry’ seems to be finally giving way with the study finding 47% of GenZ daters from Tier 1 and 2 cities that these concepts are being banished in today’s day and age.

The study says that GenZ daters are embracing emotional openness and vulnerability, challenging the notion that expressing feelings is a sign of weakness. This shift allows individuals to be authentic and transparent without fear of judgement.