We are back at it with another modern dating trend that is about to sweep everyone off their feet, even if it is just momentarily. The attractive stranger you shared a prolonged eye contact with before both of you parted ways, or the flirty banter you had with a colleague that dissolved on its own, all of it is meaningful in its own way. We are no longer looking at what the destination of a connection is; it is all about the journey and the tiny fleeting incidences that decorate it. Let’s talk about the latest dating term that has come on the radar- ‘nanoships’.
What are Nanoships?
Coined by the popular dating app, Tinder, that released the annual report titled ‘Year In Swipe’ for 2024, where a survey conducted in March this year brought about some interesting insights. 8,000 singles from countries UK, USA, Canada, and Australia that were between the ages of 18 to 34, and were actively dating, revealed that there was no connection that was considered too small. Even if it is just one aspect of your life that you have found a partner for, whether it is shared taste in memes shared on Instagram or a ‘good morning’ text sent every morning like clockwork.
These ‘nanoships’ that will be taking over the realm of dating in 2025 come with no responsibilities, commitment, or even a cursory follow-up. They are not expected to lead to something more; they are seen and admired for the short-term gratification that they are. Maintaining the mindset of ‘glass half full’, we are allowing the moment to bring us joy and happiness without letting the fact that it went nowhere make us sullen.
In an interview with a publication, Shahzeen Shivdasani, an author and relationship expert from Mumbai, gave her input regarding this modern dating trend and defined the importance of these incidences. She said, “These small moments take centre stage because, in the process of finding love, dating, and settling down, there are times when you’re completely by yourself. Those are your solid moments, the ones where you figure out who you are, and that understanding keeps evolving and changing.”
Who can benefit from this?
These tiny moments of connection can be a great help for anyone who has been feeling like there is no one in their corner. It is no secret that isolation and loneliness have slowly been becoming a pandemic all on their own. Adolescents, adults, and elderly alike, have experienced a lack of connection or an unmatched wavelength at some point in their lives, if not for a prolonged duration. Dr. Valli Kiran, Consultant Psychiatrist SPARSH Hospital in Bangalore, in an article in India Today, linked this phenomena to the mental health crisis that is starting to take over. Nanoships can be a way for anyone who feels lonely to be a little more at ease, especially when it comes to romantic relationships and the pressure of having it all that follows them.
Shahzeen also elaborated on this in the interview, saying, “These fleeting interactions offer single people a spark of hope. They add a little pep to your step, a touch of excitement, and a reminder that something great could be on the horizon. It’s that sense of possibility and new opportunities that makes these small moments so joyful – they’re hopeful, and that hope is enough to keep us going.”
Terms that give a name to these fleeting feelings of joy, like ‘nanoships’, are a way for us to give more importance to things that actually matter, no matter how big or small. Credibility of love and compassion need not be measured by what lasts the longest amount of time. It can be as small as a shared genuine smile between you and a stranger, and hold just as much value as long as it brings in a sense of connection to you. And if dating in 2025 is brimming with optimism like this, we cannot wait for this year to be over.
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