Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — In 2024, a unique trend has emerged in the world of dating: ‘throning.’ The term gained prominence after Google’s annual report on the year’s top search trends revealed ‘throning’ as the most searched dating phenomenon among Gen Z.
According to Wolipop, Throning refers to the behavior of pursuing romantic relationships with individuals who hold higher social status or significant influence, often with the goal of elevating one’s own social image. In this context, the term ‘throne’ symbolizes power, prestige, or social leverage held by the person being pursued.
“Throning in dating often stems from self-esteem issues and a need for social validation. This trend reflects an individual’s desire to feel more valuable through associations with people perceived as ‘elite’ or ‘powerful,’” psychologist Divyanshi Prabhakar explained, as reported by Wolipop.
In the past, terms like ‘gold digger’ were used to describe relationships driven by financial motives. However, throning broadens this scope, focusing not only on wealth but also on power, popularity, and social influence. It’s not just about ‘digging for gold’ anymore—it’s about claiming a seat on the throne.
The Hidden Pressures of Throning
One of the darker sides of throning is the immense pressure to maintain an idealized public image. This pursuit can take a toll on mental health, leaving individuals feeling as though they must constantly prove their worth.
“It’s crucial to recognize intrinsic self-worth that isn’t dependent on societal perception,” Prabhakar emphasized.
She added, “Prioritizing respect, shared values, and authentic emotional connections should remain central to building meaningful relationships.”
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While throning might seem like a new phenomenon, the concept isn’t entirely unfamiliar. The desire to ‘date up’ has existed for generations, but in an era where social media branding and influence hold significant weight, the stakes feel higher than ever.
The Swaddle reported, there’s nothing inherently wrong with forming connections to expand social circles—as long as those relationships aren’t misrepresented as romantic partnerships. The real issue arises when romantic interest, emotional connection, and genuine attraction are overshadowed by social climbing ambitions.
In the evolving landscape of modern relationships, throning serves as both a reflection of societal pressures and a reminder of the importance of building connections rooted in authenticity rather than status.
(Raidi/Agung)
