In a digital age that often rewards polished profiles and perfect selfies, users of TinderⓇ — the app that revolutionized how people meet — are flipping the script by spotlighting what truly makes sparks fly: authenticity.
According to a recent survey*, the top three things Thai Gen Z look for in a dating profile are: 1) photos that reflect a person’s true personality, 2) shared interests, and 3) verified profiles.
Prioritizing value-based qualities such as loyalty (79%), respect (78%) and open-mindedness (61%)**, Thai Gen Z is embracing the messy, hilarious, and deeply human sides of dating because let’s face it, normal is overrated. Whether it’s a love for vintage Thai cartoons, an obsession with K-pop fan edits, or the habit of texting entirely in memes, Thai Gen Z aren’t just embracing the weird—they’re celebrating it as something wonderful.
“Weird is wonderful,” says Kirsty Dunn, Director of Communications in Thailand at Tinder. “The things that make us different are often the very things that make us magnetic to the right person. When two people vibe on the same wavelength of weird, it’s not weird anymore—it’s compatibility.”
As part of its recent pan-Asia brand campaign—featuring the tagline “เดทคนที่ใช่ ในแบบที่ชอบ” in Thailand—Tinder is embracing the quirky and unexpected through a playful new video creative. Titled “Double the Chill,” the spot tells the story of a first date where a woman and her match connect over an endearingly odd habit: enjoying icy drinks on a cold day. It’s a fun, relatable nod to how the little things—no matter how unconventional—can spark real connection. By celebrating shared quirks and authentic moments, Tinder is making it easier for people to find someone who truly gets their vibe.
Tinder user Lhing shared that when she and her partner first matched on Tinder, neither were in “relationship mode,” so they decided to start out as friends. “We were pretty different—while I was all about nature and diving into the ocean, he was more into diving into a comfy couch. But somehow, between all the differences, we discovered our quirky common ground: late-night snacking and spontaneous midnight feasts. Oh, and we have this little game—taking the most adorable (and slightly embarrassing) sleeping photos of each other and secretly setting them as each other’s phone wallpaper. It’s a little weird, it’s us. And we love it.”
While some people click over shared quirks, others are drawn to the challenge and excitement of someone completely different. It’s not about fitting into a mold—it’s about finding the person who loves your mold, breaks it, or makes a new one with you.
With curated tiles based on interests, allowing users to proactively search and connect with people they may not otherwise do, Tinder’s recently revamped Explore has added titles such as Non-monogamous and Serious Daters, enabling users to date more intentionally.
Recognising that the unexpected can be the spark needed for a meaningful relationship, Keowng met his partner on Tinder almost three years ago. “When I first saw her on Tinder, it was her style that caught my eye. The outfits, the photos—she just had it. Then we met in real life and instantly clicked over our shared love of photography—I’m all about taking the shots, and she’s all about being in them. Plus, we’re both really clingy, which turned out to be our unexpected superpower. Turns out, being attached at the hip is a pretty great foundation for love!”
75% of Thai Gen Z say that dating is healthier (i.e. more honest and more open) today than it was for previous generations,* and as Gen Z showcase their quirks and celebrate each other’s eccentricities, they are realising that what once seemed strange could turn out to be something beautiful. Your authentic self could be the spark someone’s been searching for and lead to an unexpected and meaningful connection.
* Survey of 1,000 18-25 year olds polled in Thailand in July 2024, conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Tinder.
** Tinder In app Survey among Tinder users aged 18-24 in UK, US, AU. Data was collected between 10/18/22 – 10/28/22.
