DEEP DIVE

Young people are turning to TikTok as a de facto dating app, posting videos that serve as boyfriend or girlfriend “applications,” showing off their qualities to potential romantic interests. Social media users historically used platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, and Twitter to flirt and even search for romantic partners, but this trend on TikTok is more likely to expose people publicly without sorting by age, location, or mutual friends.

A significant potential issue with this trend on TikTok is that it could facilitate inappropriate conversations between strangers or minors and adults as the app has limited age restrictions and there is potential for catfishing. The comments sections for TikTok videos regarding boyfriend/girlfriend “applications” or references to TikTok being “the new dating app” include compliments and flirtation with varying degrees of apparent seriousness.

‘I’m Single And I’m Lit’

The “I’m single and I’m lit” trend consists of videos in which people show off selfies and thirst traps to the song “I’m Single And I’m Lit” by Rontae Don’t Play. Famous TikTokers including Addison Rae of Hype House have participated in this trend.

@addisonreis tiktok turning into a dating app?♬ I’m Single and I’m Lit – Rontae Don’t Play

@javilunaaccepting submissions for new gf on the comments♬ I’m Single and I’m Lit – Rontae Don’t Play

@daniellecohn##single 😂♬ I’m Single and I’m Lit – Rontae Don’t Play

#BFApplication & #GFApplication

TikTokers use the hashtags #BoyfriendApplication,#BFApplication, #GirlfriendApplication, and #GFApplication to indicate that they’re either looking for a boyfriend/girlfriend or that they’re “applying” to be someone’s next boyfriend/girlfriend. They’ll often include their Snapchat or Instagram usernames in their videos or bio so that people can contact them privately and directly.

@luhchasedo you approve?🥺##boyfriendapplication ##fyp ##foryou ##xyzcba♬ B.o.B – Nothing On You – kbreeezo

@sascharuggeriwho’s trying to be my wifey ? ##fyp ##viral ##boyfriendapplication ##rosa♬ original sound – vhackerr

@sadxkailee2##AfterMyCoffee ##shykids ##PlayWithLife ##diyproject ##lfl ##fyp ##foryou ##gfapplication♬ original sound – vhackerr

@geegallowayonly a “LIL”🙃. ##gfapplication ##studs ##foryoupage ##girlswholikegirls ##fyp ##views ##gay♬ original sound – irwin.tpr