Dating in 2024 is no longer straightforward. Gone are the days of traditional courtship with clear rules and simple connections. Today, relationships are shaped by digital platforms, evolving social norms, and a complex web of undefined terms.
Keza (a pseudonym) reflects on her rollercoaster year of dating, navigating long-distance relationships, mixed signals, and the rise of “situationships.” Her experience is not unique—TikTok users have shared similar struggles with modern romance, exposing the blurred lines between love, convenience, and commitment.
But in a world where digital connections replace face-to-face encounters, we have to ask: Has love become harder to find, or are we simply adjusting to a new kind of romance?
Keza’s 2024 in Dating
After six years of persistence, Keza finally agreed to give a long-distance admirer a chance in early 2024. Despite his unwavering attention, their relationship lasted only a month before he pulled away, citing his new job. Though his busy schedule was the official reason, it felt more like a convenient excuse to avoid confronting the difficulties of long-distance dating.
Then, months later, he resurfaced as if nothing had happened, calling regularly and acting like he could simply pick up where they left off. Keza had no interest in restarting things. She made it clear she was done.
Next, a friend who had been a consistent presence in her life began showing interest. He called her every day, and for a while, it seemed like he was serious. But his behavior quickly became frustrating. He’d disappear for days, then reappear with apologies, only to deflect conversations about commitment by saying, “You’re my friend.” The emotional exhaustion from these mixed signals pushed her to stop wasting time.
The final twist came with someone new—kind, thoughtful, but with timing that just didn’t align. Their schedules didn’t match, and despite his many good qualities, Keza found physical attraction to be a dealbreaker. “You can’t force attraction. It just creates problems later,” she said.
Looking back, Keza sees each of these experiences as valuable lessons. From dealing with emotional games to understanding her dealbreakers, she now has a clearer idea of what she wants in a partner.
TikTok and the 2024 Dating Landscape
TikTok users have shared a variety of experiences that capture the essence of modern dating. Here are some of the recurring themes:
Role Reversal and Changing Expectations
There’s been a shift in traditional dating dynamics. One TikTok user noted, “Men in 2024 want princess treatment—call them first, send flowers.” Another joked, “Can’t be the princess when men want to be the princess.”
Situationships on the Rise
A new trend is the prevalence of “situationships,” where romantic connections lack clear definitions or commitment. One user shared, “He wants to be the only one I talk to, demands my location, but won’t share his.” These situations often come with phrases like, “I’m focusing on myself” while expecting loyalty and exclusivity without any formal commitment.
The Impact of Digital Dating
Dating apps and social media have dramatically changed the game. One user expressed frustration, saying, “People are sleeping with each other before even thinking about marriage. It’s so toxic, no one wants to settle down anymore.” The ease of online connections seems to be eroding the desire for lasting, meaningful relationships.
The Ghosting Phenomenon
Ghosting—suddenly cutting off all contact without explanation—has become disturbingly common. “You just have to be ready for someone to disappear without a trace,” said one user who was ghosted after four months of dating. It’s so normalized now that it’s considered “just how it goes.”
Disposable Dating
The culture of “disposable dating” is also on the rise. One TikTok user noted, “People will date for weeks, sleep together, travel together, and then break things off over a single ‘ick.’” Minor incompatibilities seem to be enough for people to walk away from what could otherwise be a promising relationship.
The Struggle for Authentic Connections
A recurring complaint among users is the challenge of finding genuine love. The abundance of options online has led some to feel like they’re living in a “hook-up culture,” where no one is interested in commitment. Some users have opted for solitude instead of wading through the complexities of modern dating.
Communication Breakdown
At the heart of many of these issues lies poor communication. One user pointed out, “It’s not just one person’s fault—it’s a communication issue.” The convenience of dating apps and social media seems to have made it easier for people to avoid hard conversations, leading to more misunderstandings and disappointments.