Gen Z daters may be falling into a new trap known as 'carouselling', where endless messaging on dating apps creates a cycle of anxiety and unrealistic expectations, according to relationship expert Tina Wilson.
Wilson, founder of the Wingman dating app, describes carouselling as 'the feeling of being stuck in a never-ending loop of messages before meeting a match on a dating app'. She says this phenomenon stems from social media and technology, which 'prolong anticipation' and lead to overthinking and fear of the unknown.
The expert warns that prolonged online interaction can build up pressure, making it harder for daters to meet in person. 'The unknowns become too much, and it’s over before it even started,' she told FEMAIL.
Wilson also criticises the 'smoke and mirrors' of online profiles, which encourage perfectionism and set daters up for disappointment. She advises against rushing into meetings but suggests using friends as matchmakers to reduce pressure, as with her app Wingman, where friends pick matches.
To combat carouselling, Wilson recommends narrowing down choices and focusing on quality conversations to make dating 'fun' again.
