In an era of evolving relationships, Gen-Z has introduced a, Gen-Z that’s generating a lot of buzz: throning. After the rise of terms like “ghosting,” “breadcrumbing,” and “situationships,” throning has quickly become a hot topic in the dating world. But what exactly is throning, and why has it captured so much attention?
Throning is a dating trend where individuals seek out relationships based on status, fame, or power rather than genuine affection or love. In this dynamic, one partner places the other “on a pedestal” to elevate their own social standing or gain access to more significant social circles. Unlike traditional romantic motives, throning is more about self-promotion and networking.
This phenomenon has often been compared to “clout-chasing” or “gold-digging,” but with a modern twist. The primary aim is to improve one’s image and influence by associating with someone of higher social status, often determined through online presence on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and X.
The rise of social media has made it easier than ever to gauge someone’s status based on their online presence. In today’s digital world, people judge potential partners not just by their personality, but by their followers, lifestyle, and social connections. Throning is essentially about leveraging these factors to gain access to a higher social standing or a more influential network.
In practice, throning might look like attending a social event and approaching someone not out of genuine interest, but because they hold influence. On dating apps, it involves swiping right on profiles that project an image of glamour, power, and dominance, rather than focusing on compatibility or shared values.
A study from Science Advances indicates that many dating app users seek partners who are about 25% more desirable than themselves, suggesting a desire to elevate their own status. Throning takes this to the next level by making the pursuit of status a central aspect of the relationship.
While throning may seem appealing, offering the illusion of romance and social success, the reality is often different. These relationships are frequently emotionally hollow, and the connection may be one-sided. Stacy Thomson, a relationship expert and founder of Reddi, pointed out that while throning can boost self-esteem in the short term, it does not lead to true happiness or fulfillment.
While being “throned” may seem flattering at first, those in the elevated position may eventually realize that they are being celebrated not for who they truly are, but for the status they represent. This can lead to feelings of frustration and emptiness, as the relationship is rooted in superficial connections rather than genuine affection.
In the long run, throning can leave both parties feeling unappreciated and disconnected, highlighting the dangers of prioritizing status over emotional depth in relationships.
As this trend continues to take hold, it raises important questions about what defines true connection in today’s increasingly digital dating landscape. While throning may seem glamorous, it remains to be seen whether it offers the lasting fulfillment that authentic love and companionship can provide.
