Gen Z men are increasingly avoiding dating due to the pervasive fear of being recorded and mocked on social media, according to recent studies. This growing trend, characterized by the ‘fear of being filmed,’ has left many young men feeling anxious and hesitant to engage in romantic relationships, with 37% identifying as celibate. The pressure to document and share every moment of their lives online has created an environment where embarrassing moments are often recorded, leading to public shaming and a reluctance to take social risks.
One recent high school graduate, Eli Thompson, shared his concerns with Rolling Stone, stating that the possibility of being recorded and mocked has made ‘normal interactions feel risky.’ Thompson explained that the constant threat of public shaming makes it difficult for young men to pursue relationships or go on dates. This fear is not only impacting their willingness to engage in dating but is also contributing to a growing divide between genders, described as a ‘Cold War’ of the sexes.
The phenomenon is further exacerbated by the prevalence of social media, where women have been sharing their dating experiences openly, often in a way that is perceived as documenting and mocking others. Thompson noted that this behavior is fueling mistrust among young men and turning interactions into battlegrounds. This trend, along with the rise in celibacy among Gen Z, is creating a climate of suspicion and lack of empathy between genders, which is reshaping how dating is perceived and approached in the modern era.
Additionally, the impact of this trend extends beyond just personal relationships. The fear of online exposure is altering the way young men conduct themselves in real life, making normal interactions feel like high-stakes situations. Thompson emphasized the need to establish consequences for digital cruelty, stating that cruelty behind a screen is no less harmful than cruelty in person. The growing culture of humiliation is making the social media world for Gen Z a place where accountability is absent and cruelty is rewarded, highlighting the urgent need for a shift in how online interactions are managed and perceived.