Online dating has started to feel less like a fun way to meet someone and more like a draining routine. Now a surprising trend is popping up among Gen Z and millennials who are tired of endless swiping and small talk. Instead of managing their profiles themselves, some are handing the job to their parents. The twist is that mum or dad is not just offering advice, they are taking over the whole early stage.
In this setup, parents create or run the profile, scroll through potential matches, and start conversations on their child’s behalf. The person actually looking for love only steps in once a parent has narrowed things down and found someone who seems promising. For many, it is less about playing matchmaker for laughs and more about reducing the emotional fatigue that comes with modern dating. Parents are seen as more direct, less distracted by trends, and more focused on whether someone seems stable, respectful, and ready for something serious.
There is also a practical side to it. Swiping can be time consuming, and messaging dozens of people can make dating feel like a chore with very little payoff. Some young adults say they are overwhelmed by ghosting, awkward introductions, and the pressure to constantly perform online. Parents can act as a buffer, filtering out obvious red flags before their child invests any energy. For families who already talk openly about relationships, it can even become a bonding activity that feels oddly supportive.
Still, the approach is not always smooth. One woman in her early thirties shared that her mother’s choices often missed the mark because chemistry cannot be predicted from a profile. Her mum leaned toward men who looked polished and high end, while she cared more about shared interests and everyday compatibility. That mismatch can create tension, especially if parents push too hard or forget that attraction and connection are personal. It also raises questions about boundaries, privacy, and how much involvement is helpful before it becomes controlling.
Even so, some people swear it works. One woman said her father encouraged her not to write someone off too quickly when the replies were slow at first, and the conversation eventually developed into something real. Another point many parents make after taking the wheel is that dating apps can be harsher than they expected. Seeing profiles filled with questionable photos or aggressive posturing can make them more sympathetic to why their child might feel discouraged.
Would you ever let your parents run your dating life, even just for the first few messages? Share your thoughts in the comments.
