Love at first vote: Gen Z is no longer apolitical — neither do they want their partners to be

If you’ve been on dating apps these past few years, chances are you’ve read people’s bios mentioning their political leanings.  Megha Mukherjee, a 26-year-old journalist, is one of them. “How else do you filter out people? In my experience, many who put apolitical on their profiles are actually right-wing but if you directly ask them, they either get defensive or try to skirt around the topic,” Mukherjee tells us in an interaction.

For Eishita, a 22-year-old student, this filtering out becomes all the more important as a queer person who uses they/he pronouns. “They need to be the same ideology as me as a lot of times they try to treat me like a woman (which I don’t identify as), and differ greatly from my friends. And for me, in dating, my partners have to be friends with my friends.”

They’re not alone. Forget the six-pack abs and fancy cars. A recent survey by Yuvaa, for the ‘Every Single Vote Counts’ campaign in collaboration with Tinder, reveals a new kind of dating currency for Gen Z in India: political awareness. The message is clear – being engaged in the political process is no longer just a good quality, it’s a highly desirable trait.

The survey paints a fascinating picture of Gen Z’s dating priorities. A whopping 60% of respondents strongly prefer dating someone who votes. Nearly a third (almost 1 in 3) find a potential partner more attractive if they actively participate in elections.

This political awareness extends beyond the ballot box. For Gen Z in India, political engagement is no longer a fringe issue. It’s a core value that shapes their dating preferences and voting habits. This generation is looking for partners who share their commitment to shaping a better future, making political awareness a key ingredient for finding love.

Why do politics matter for Gen Z?

Gen Z’s dating patterns often reflect a blend of traditional values and modern influences. Mehezabin Dordi, clinical psychologist, Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital, explained they tend to prioritise authenticity, digital connection, and inclusivity in their relationships, often seeking partners who share similar values and interests. 

This is a welcome change from earlier generations, such as Gen X and the Millennials, who were more concerned with selecting partners based on factors like physical attractiveness, personality fit, and agreement on important life goals like marriage or having children, Dr Ashima Ranjan, consultant – psychiatry, Yatharth Super Speciality Hospitals, Noida, explained. She added, “Gen Z are enthusiastic about social justice.”

Does one political view have more significance over the others? (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

According to Maanvi, Editor-in-Chief at Yuvaa, Gen Z demonstrate a keen understanding of issues beyond their immediate socio-cultural context, such as climate change, queer rights, and gender equality, which significantly influence how they approach dating, friendships, and work.

As per a survey by dating app happn, 85% of Gen Z in India plan to vote in the ongoing elections, Karima Ben Abdelmalek, CEO & President of happn said.

These values are continually showing up in Gen Z’s dating patterns. Aahana Dhar, Director of Communications, Tinder India, says young daters today are seeking adventure in new experiences, connections, and self-discovery has never been more important.

“We’ve also seen firsthand the passion among our users for issues that matter, including civic engagement with mention of the term “Voting” increasing by nearly 3x on Tinder Bios in India in the last year. In fact, the top dating mantras for Tinder users in India in 2023 were being authentic, rejecting labels, believing in equality, sharing political and social views, and being emotionally available, indicating a strong desire for genuine connections, beyond surface-level interactions,” Dhar tells indianexpress.com. 

Political awareness has become a dating dealbreaker. Someone who doesn’t align with their core beliefs just won’t make the cut.

How to date someone with different political leanings (Express archive photo)

Does one political view have more significance over the others?

While there are many like Megha and Eishita (mentioned earlier), by way of their changing identities or job environments, who actively avoid dating people with certain kind of extreme political ideologies, most Gen Z like 24-year-old Reha Chattopadhyay are okay with their partners just being politically aware.

“It’s so confusing to even react to an ideology an individual holds. Now, I have stopped reading into it. That’s why being politically aware is a safe bet,” says Reha.

For 24-year-old Rosary Tuolor, it is important her partner be aware of the politics but even more so to keep her political views separate from the personal, i.e., their relationship.

“There are certain things that exist in shades of grey. I try to keep my political views aside. Not just for romantic partners, but also my friendships. There are so many people and so many different opinions. How many people can you stop talking to over that?,” expresses Rosary.

According to Radhika Mohta, a matchmaker and relationship coach who runs Elevate – a dating accelerator for marriage-minded singles, many Indians are happy being with a person with moderate and liberal views, without leaning heavily on any sides. “If you are dating someone and happen to go through an unplanned pregnancy, would you want someone who wants you to bear the consequences alone because they believe in the ideology of a certain political party that passed that bill?”

Dr Ranjan, a psychologist, agreed, adding, “It’s not that Gen Z expects their spouse to share their political views on all matters. They want partners who, at the very least, grasp it—who recognise privilege, speak inclusively, defend equal rights, and don’t act in a discriminating manner.”

How to date someone with different political leanings

While Gen Z prioritises political awareness in their partners, the experts suggest it doesn’t have to be a dealbreaker. (Express Photo)

What happens when you meet someone special whose views differ from your own? Can a relationship survive such a fundamental difference? The answer, according to the experts, is a cautious yes, but it requires effort and maturity.

Openness and respect: The cornerstones of compromise

Dr Ranjan emphasises the importance of being open to relationships with people who hold different views. She suggests handling conflict with empathy, listening politely, and seeking common ground. This aligns with Kesha Bhavsar’s view (a psychologist at Mpower) that peaceful coexistence requires flexibility and a willingness to consider different perspectives.

Mutual respect for beliefs: The foundation of understanding

Both Dr Ranjan and Bhavsar highlight the importance of mutual respect for each other’s political opinions. Understanding the “why” behind someone’s beliefs can foster empathy and create a space for respectful dialogue.

Setting boundaries: When compromise becomes unrealistic

Psychologist Mehezabin Dordi acknowledges that some differences may be too vast to overcome. Setting boundaries around political discussions can be crucial for maintaining harmony in the relationship. This allows each partner to express their beliefs comfortably while respecting the other’s right to disagree.

While Gen Z prioritises political awareness in their partners, the experts suggest it doesn’t have to be a dealbreaker. Effective communication, a willingness to listen, and respect for differing viewpoints are key to navigating these situations. If both partners are committed to understanding each other and finding common ground, then a fulfilling relationship may still be possible, even across the political divide.

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