Tinder® – the app that revolutionized how people meet – has teamed up with Thaiconsent – a social change agency that strives to positively shape perceptions, beliefs, and actions – to launch a Let’s Talk Consent guide. The online Thai language guide is available as part of Tinder’s School of Swipe Safety Syllabus and is aimed at empowering Thai Gen Z to develop and maintain healthy relationships.
Thai Gen Z are shying away from common phrases like “it’s fine” and “mai pen rai”, which gloss over the importance of consent and can make it difficult for people to say no, especially in one-on-one interactions. Instead young singles are seeking clearer communication and mutual respect in relationships. In a recent Tinder survey, Thai Gen Z admitted they find navigating consent one of the more difficult aspects of dating. Also, close to 90% said they are looking for an equal partnership in a relationship, with over 50% of them admitting that valuing their date’s opinions and priorities is an important contributor.
As Gen Z challenges the status quo and redefines dating on their own terms, Let’s Talk Consent looks to demystify the topic of “consent” and normalise consent conversations. The guide explores building healthy and meaningful relationships that are based on mutual consent, and addresses how to practice consent through all stages of a relationship, from that first online spark to going on an IRL date. While making matching easier, Tinder’s popular swipe feature was created as a way to ensure mutual consent, requiring both parties to both swipe and agree they want to match.
Recognising the importance of being open and honest with your partner, the guide shares three principles for effective communication and understanding:
- Ask: Always ask before taking any action, ensuring that no coercion or pressure is involved. Consent is ongoing and not a one time ask.
- Listen: Take time to understand the true feelings and intentions of your partner.
- Respect: Honor and accept the other person’s decision, regardless of whether it aligns with your own preferences.
Speaking of the challenges young daters face today, Wipaphan Wongsawang, Founder of Thaiconsent shared, “Starting new relationships today may not be so difficult, but maintaining a good relationship is not at all easy. Consent is a key part of this. If couples want to hold hands and build a long term life together then they need to effectively communicate with each other and discuss topics that perhaps in the past were avoided.”
With the popularity of online dating amongst Thai Gen Z continuing to grow, fostering a culture of mutual respect and ensuring clear communication between couples is important and this is at the heart of “Consent”. The guide looks at what can be considered consent (and what is not!), shares examples of how consent may look in online and IRL dating scenarios, while emphasising the need to respect personal boundaries and continuously reaffirm consent throughout the relationship. “At Tinder, we’re committed to helping Gen Z daters connect with new people and build healthy relationships,” added Papri Dev, VP APAC Communications, Tinder. “Consent is involved in every step of the dating journey, whether it’s online or IRL, and we’re excited to partner with Thaiconsent to create the Thai language Let’s Talk Consent guide. Findings from our survey emphasise the importance of consent education, and through our collaboration with Thaiconsent we aim to help lead the conversation and understanding on this vital topic – leading to safer and more respectful dating environments.”
The Let’s Talk Consent guide can be read and downloaded from https://www.schoolofswipe.com/safety-syllabus.
