Navigating the Dating Scene: How Cerca is Revolutionizing Gen Z’s Approach to Love
In today’s digital age, the dating scene has become a complex and often frustrating landscape, especially for Gen Z. With the rise of dating apps, one might assume finding love has never been easier, but for many, the experience is daunting and isolating. Enter Cerca, a new dating app that’s turning heads by bringing dating back to its roots—connecting through mutual friends.
For Myles Slayton, the concept of Cerca was born out of frustration with the current state of dating apps. Noticing the struggles he and his friends faced in New York City’s dating scene, Slayton realized that traditional apps weren’t meeting the needs of his generation. Gen Z, shaped by the internet and the COVID-19 pandemic, craves a more personal and trusted approach to dating. This led to the creation of Cerca, an app that focuses on matching users with friends of friends, aiming to rebuild trust and reduce anxiety in the dating process.
Why Gen Z is Embracing the Past
Gen Z’s preference for meeting through social circles is a nod to a bygone era, where connections were more organic and less transactional. This shift is driven by a growing distrust of strangers and a heightened fear of rejection. Cerca taps into this sentiment by leveraging existing social networks, ensuring that potential matches are vetted by mutual friends, which inherently reduces the risk associated with meeting strangers online.
The Cerca Difference
So, how does Cerca work? Users create a standard dating profile and sync their contacts, but the app only shows potential matches who are already within their social circle. This approach eliminates the fear of swiping through strangers, making the experience feel safer and more genuine. Cerca also introduces thoughtful features like anonymous liking and a limited number of daily swipes to encourage more intentional connections.
Profiles on Cerca are designed to prioritize depth over aesthetics. While photos are included, they’re presented after highlighting shared friends and background information, emphasizing that it’s not all about looks. This approach encourages users to engage more meaningfully with profiles, fostering connections based on shared interests and experiences rather than superficial attraction.
Safety and Discretion
Safety is a top priority for Cerca. Users can control which contacts they share and even block specific individuals from viewing their profiles. The app also prohibits screenshotting or screen recording, protecting user privacy. Additionally, the ability to filter out certain professions adds another layer of discretion, allowing users to tailor their experience to their comfort level.
A Focus on Community
Cerca extends beyond the digital realm with merchandise and events, fostering a sense of community among its users. This holistic approach not only enhances the user experience but also sets Cerca apart from competitors, creating a brand that feels more like a movement than just another app.
Looking Ahead
As Cerca prepares to present at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, the app is gaining momentum, with 60,000 users primarily in New York and various universities. Slayton and his co-founders are optimistic about their impact, viewing the event as an opportunity to showcase their innovative approach to dating on a global stage.
Conclusion
In a world where swiping through endless profiles has become the norm, Cerca offers a refreshing alternative that resonates deeply with Gen Z’s desire for authentic, trusted connections. By focusing on mutual friends and thoughtful interactions, Cerca is not just another dating app—it’s a movement towards a more meaningful dating experience. As the app continues to grow, it’s clear that Cerca is paving the way for a future where love is found through the people we trust most.
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