Decoding why Gen Z daters prefer dating politically aware people

India is currently in the middle of its largest ever general elections Over 900 million citizens are expected to participate Of these 20 million citizens will be firsttime voters from Generation ZDespite throwaway claims the generation continues to be vocal about political values A recent survey by the dating app Tinder highlighted that over 60 percent of Gen Z daters preferred dating someone who votes One out of three respondents shared that a potential match is attractive only if they take elections seriously This is necessary today explain many GenZersReflection of an individualAime F a Bandra resident believes compatibility in political values is important among partners ldquoWhile I donrsquot limit myself in terms of caste class or religion I do screen my dates through the filter of some values that I hold closerdquo the 27yearold clarifiesMany firsttime voters believe strongly in individual freedoms Representation picsThese political beliefs reflect individual values Ketaki Joshi a firsttime voter from Bandra Kurla Complex in this general election remarks ldquoThe political ideas stand for your core beliefs Your opinions show what you care aboutrdquoBoth agree that having an opinion makes a difference Joshi notes ldquoI am fine if you have a strong opinion If you simply donrsquot care about issues it is hard for me to respect yourdquoRadhika Mohta relationship coach and founder ElevateDating Accelerator remarks ldquoPolitical values are an extension of your views on life and core beliefs and personality Over the years the core of a personrsquos value system tends to remain the same unless it is shifted by a drastic eventrdquoEnables compatibilityComing from the minority community Aime reflects ldquoOver the course of my experience I have realised that it is frustrating for me to date someone on the extreme end of my views The political leanings are not simply a matter of views but also reflect their opinions on independence or personal freedomsrdquoDiffering viewsVoicing the male perspective Mayank Sharma 22 says ldquoIt would be favourable to have a common view but it is not a huge disconnectrdquo Sharma believes that as long as the partner is willing to have a conversation even on contentious subjects he is willing to proceedKetaki Joshi Mayank Sharma and Aaron FernandesVikhroliresident Aaron Fernandes agrees ldquoWe need to allow people the freedom to have their own ideasrdquo Fernandes adds that while he can accept a lack of political awareness it is important that the person must be willing and open to learn about his viewsThis sharp difference in perspective from women is reflective of the current age Mohta remarks ldquoThe choice of a life partner while it affects both the people affects the woman much more Her personal and professional life trajectory is often defined by these individual choicesrdquoSet a clear stanceJoshi admits many in her friend circle do make these opinions clear on their dating bios or profiles ldquoIt helps them to clear the air beforehand While I understand personally I would prefer my potential date to see me beyond my political or social views It is negotiable in that senserdquo she saysFor Gen Z daters inability to discuss differing views is a red flagThe reason for allowing this space she reveals is that it enables a conversation Restricting it also narrows the dating pool considerably For Aime that is acceptable collateral damage She states emphatically ldquoAs a loud feminist it is hard for me I would date someone apolitical it is a privileged view and can change over time But views that deny feminist rights cannot be accepted and I make it clear from the startrdquoThe men are more willing to allow such opinions to build over conversation ldquoPolitics is not a daily routine so I wouldnrsquot open with it I would allow the conversation to build and arrive at the discussion naturallyrdquo says SharmaFernandes adds ldquoI am unaware of a lot of things and they would be the same We need to allow time for a dialoguerdquo Joshi notes ldquoIt is also interesting to have a conversation with someone who holds differing views rather than always seeking out someone with whom we have everythingin commonrdquoDespite that Joshi concludes ldquoFor me feminism remains a nonnegotiable It might sound clicheacute but that is worth the stand Others are fairly negotiablerdquoThe politics of datingDos1 Use photographs to communicate your interests the causes you support2 Point out issues close to your heart in the bio3 Mention your deal breakers on your dating profile loud and clear4 Their ability to take a joke on key issues will reveal more about them Donrsquots1 Do not be afraid to speak out about your passions or ideals2 Do not choose a person who lacks a diverse friend group or only listens to an echo chamber3 Avoid people who are argumentative and refuse to see your perspective on thingsInputs by Radhika Mohta relationship coach