Inside the world of parent-approved desi dating apps
Feb 13, 2025
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Chandni Gaglani, Head of Aisle, shares her insights into the evolving landscape of desi dating apps. She discusses how these platforms are bridging the gap between casual dating and parental approval, allowing individuals to explore relationships while respecting cultural values. Gaglani highlights the differences in dating philosophies between millennials and Gen Z, and how generational shifts affect user interactions. The episode also delves into unique business models within the dating industry, emphasizing customization and intentional matchmaking.
Indian dating apps like Aisle and Better Half blend casual dating with traditional values, addressing familial approval while empowering individual choice.
Millennials prioritize parental approval in their relationships, while Gen Z embraces a more liberated dating approach focused on personal connections.
Deep dives
The Complexities of Indian Dating Apps
Dating apps in India navigate a complex landscape shaped by cultural expectations and familial pressures. Many users, particularly women, face scrutiny from their families regarding their relationship status, which influences their engagement with these platforms. While some prefer mainstream apps like Hinge and Bumble, others gravitate towards Indian apps like Aisle and Better Half that seek to balance casual dating with traditional matrimonial expectations. These hybrid platforms are designed to acknowledge the nuances of the Indian dating experience, where the stakes are often tied to societal norms and familial approval.
Generational Perspectives on Relationships
Millennials and Gen Z exhibit distinct attitudes towards dating, influenced by their cultural upbringing and the evolution of social norms. Millennials often feel compelled to seek relationships that meet parental approval and fulfill traditional expectations, seeing marriage as a critical goal. In contrast, Gen Z embraces a more liberated approach, focusing on personal connection without rigid definitions, allowing for a more exploratory mindset. This shift indicates a growing openness among younger generations, as they navigate modern relationships less encumbered by the perceptions that influenced their predecessors.
Regional Variations and User Preferences
The emergence of region-specific dating apps highlights the diverse cultural dynamics within India. Apps like Arike and Anbi cater to particular communities, acknowledging the importance of cultural identity while facilitating connections among users who share similar backgrounds. These platforms empower individuals navigating the pressures of familial expectations, allowing for a more tailored dating experience while still conforming to cultural norms. However, this trend raises questions about whether such apps inadvertently reinforce social divisions or provide a necessary avenue for individuals seeking connections within their preferred communities.
Desi dating apps are vying for parental approval. And their strategy seems to be working.
A couple months ago, Agrima Srivastava, a 29-year-old media professional from Lucknow, had an awkward conversation with her mother. She wanted to know if Agrima had ever heard of Indian dating apps, Aisle and Better Half.
That was the first time Agrima had an open conversation with her mother about her love life. She told her that she was on dating apps, but homegrown ones like Aisle and Better half, were "just too serious". Funnily enough, the very reason Agrima was hesitant to get on an Indian dating app is why her mom approved of it.
And Agrima's mom isn't alone. Many Indian dating apps have positioned themselves as the perfect stop gap between casual dating and marriage. It allows people the autonomy to choose their own partner without their parents getting involved, while also connecting them with a pool of potential partners from similar communities and upbringings. It's like parent-approved dating.
How do they work? And do Indian dating app users need them?
Tune in to find out.
Daybreak is produced from the newsroom of The Ken, India’s first subscriber-only business news platform. Subscribe for more exclusive, deeply-reported, and analytical business stories.
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