After a brutal New York City winter not only has there been a surge of urgency for summer among New Yorkers. Many Americans are seeking a carefree, hot girl summer where they are outside. This summer, staying inside will not be an option.
Influenced by social media trends and viral phrases like ‘we outside,’ the push to be constantly outside has become more than a personal desire, but a cultural expectation.
The viral phrase ‘we outside’ is particularly associated with going out, partying, socializing, and enjoying life. With so much emphasis on being outside this summer, the phrase is sending the message that being single allows for the best summer experience.
Dating in Gen Z relationships can feel limited to how much fun, freedom, spontaneity, and social experiences one may have. Many young people are prioritizing experiences over commitment. Resulting in a dating culture increasingly casual and non-committal among Gen Z’ers like situation-ships.
Social media heavily influences Gen Z’s dating culture. Expectations around money, gestures, and reciprocity in relationships become easily reshaped, redefining relationships. People now define dating through effort and exchange, where consistency, money, and gestures signal love and care over emotional connection.
Many women desire a partner who will provide a luxurious lifestyle or give grand gestures of princess treatment, such as thoughtful dates, public displays of affection, or flowers. Users on TikTok or Instagram expectations become heavily shaped and reinforced by users who romanticize their relationships while labeling others as bare minimum.
Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram are also reshaping men’s expectations. Some men challenge traditional norms of dating and express a desire to be spoiled and appreciated.
For a generation that spends much of its time online, social media plays an important role in shaping these behaviors. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram influence and shape how Gen Z approaches relationships, commitments, and connections. Social media contributes to how people define what is normal or desirable in love. As well as shape when and they decide the best time to date.
This creates a contradiction between love and living life. As summer 2026 approaches, a lifestyle of being outside and non-committal raises questions. Such as how social media defines relationship culture, how we choose to date, and who we choose to love.
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