Gen Z favors eye contact over touch in dating, study finds
New EZContacts survey shows eye gazing and eyewear influence romantic connections more than physical interaction, with glasses boosting perceived attractiveness among young daters.
A September 2025 EZContacts study surveying 1,000 adults across dating statuses finds that eye contact is increasingly seen as more intimate than physical touch among Gen Z daters. About 59 percent of respondents in their 20s said eye contact is more intimate than touching when flirting, signaling a shift in how young people approach romantic connection. Among women in this age group, 62 percent preferred eye to eye seduction over touching, while 55 percent of men expressed the same view. Researchers described eye contact as a fast path to trust and closeness, capable of cutting through online noise before conversations begin.
The study also highlights eyewear as a social signal in romance. Roughly 58 percent of respondents said glasses make someone more attractive, with men showing a stronger tilt toward eyewear than women — 69 percent of men versus 46 percent of women. The findings further broke down frame styles: classic black frames were associated with seriousness and confidence, while bold colorful frames signaled playfulness and extroversion. This eye fashion insight dovetails with a broader pattern of dating shifts as younger daters move away from AI-powered features in dating apps toward real life encounters.
The results come as Gen Z increasingly opts for in person meetings over conventional dating apps that rely on artificial intelligence driven tools such as generative chatbots and virtual wingmen. Analysts note that meeting face to face and maintaining eye contact can foster a sense of trust more quickly than a sequence of messages, enabling stronger connection before words are spoken. While physical intimacy is not completely off the table, the data underscore a preference for signals of authenticity and presence that eyes and eyewear seem to convey.
Beyond the mood of proximity, the survey suggests a broader reframe of attractiveness. Nearly six in ten respondents indicated that eyewear enhances the perceived appeal of a potential partner, with gendered nuances in how glasses are received. The classic black frame is viewed as a pragmatic and put-together image, whereas brighter frames may indicate a more outgoing or adventurous personality. Those wearing glasses are increasingly seen not as a barrier to beauty but as a facet of personal style that can intensify perceived sincerity and approachability. The findings echo shifting beauty norms noted by researchers in the British Journal of Psychology, which reported that the hunt for a partner involves a blend of traits and sensory impressions beyond mere facial symmetry.
Dating researchers emphasize that eyewear shapes first impressions and that eye contact quickly communicates confidence and interest. Eyewear may frame the face, but the eyes tell the story, according to EZContacts analysts. In a cultural moment when dating norms are evolving, the eye becomes a focal point for connection and a gateway to trust that can precede conversation.
Experts note that the shift from screens to real world interactions reflects a broader desire for authenticity. The EZContacts study aligns with a trend toward valuing genuine connection over algorithmic matchmaking, a movement that could reshape how people present themselves on the dating scene. The researchers also observed that eye contact signals a readiness to engage and a willingness to invest attention, traits that many young daters associate with more meaningful relationships than quick, app-driven flirtations.
Toward the end of the study period, commentators highlighted the potential implications for fashion and relationship culture. The shift toward eye centered attraction and the perceptual power of eyewear may influence how young people choose frames and how they approach dates. In a media landscape long shaped by cinematic tropes that portrayed glasses as a hindrance, the EZContacts findings suggest a continuing reassessment of what signals confidence and appeal in the dating arena.
In sum, the study portrays a culture where the gaze and the frame around it matter as much as the first words spoken. ForGen Z daters, eye contact is not just a momentary gesture but a durable cue of compatibility and trust. As social dating continues to evolve, the eyes and eyewear appear to be central to how young people signal interest, establish connection, and build attraction in a world where real life conversations may outperform virtual ones.