Dapping up 10s & modern dating
Screenshot of a Dapping up 10s video via @litx2 on TikTok
This summer I noticed a TikTok trend called “Dapping up 10s”, that was going super viral online. The first video I saw was from a woman influencer based in Brooklyn NY. She attended the weekly summer street fair in Bed Stuy and she dapped up all the fiiine men she saw. There were so many women in the comments thirsting after the guys in the video. I found it so entertaining and lighthearted, something that’s often missing when it comes to in-person male/female interactions.
I think this trend says a lot about modern dating culture and the role social media is playing in our relationships.
OK so let me simplify the trend for anyone that’s not as online as me. The “Dapping Up 10s” trend involves participants approaching people they consider "10s" on a scale of physical attractiveness and offering a friendly handshake or fist bump—often while recording the interaction for TikTok.
One of the most striking aspects of the "Dapping Up 10s" trend for me, is how it challenges the stereotype that Gen Z avoids in-person interactions. For years, the narrative has been that this generation is glued to their screens, preferring digital connections over face-to-face encounters. This trend flips that idea on its head by encouraging people to step out of their comfort zones and acknowledge someone they find attractive in real life. While social media is the vehicle for sharing these moments, the act itself is rooted in courage and authenticity.
It’s a reminder that despite the rise of dating apps and online interactions, there’s still something thrilling about making a real-world connection.
Of course, the "Dapping Up 10s" trend wouldn’t exist without social media. Platforms like TikTok amplify these interactions, turning what could have been private moments into shareable content. On one hand, this can be seen as a celebration of human connection. People are appreciating beauty and kindness in their everyday lives, and that’s worth celebrating.
On the other hand, the performative nature of the trend raises questions. Are these interactions genuine, or are they staged for clout? Does the focus on physical attractiveness reinforce superficial standards, or is it just harmless fun? Social media blurs the lines between sincerity and performance, but at least in this case, it’s inspiring people to engage with each other in real life—even if it’s just for a dap.
The beauty of the "Dapping Up 10s" trend is its simplicity. By framing the interaction as a casual greeting, it lowers the stakes of approaching someone attractive. Unlike a direct romantic proposition, which can feel daunting, a dap is friendly and non-threatening. This opens the door for conversations that might not have happened otherwise.
In a dating landscape often dominated by swipes and algorithms, this trend offers a refreshing reminder: sometimes, all it takes is a small gesture to spark a connection.
Whether these daps lead to relationships, friendships, or simply a memorable moment, they’re creating opportunities for human interaction—and that’s invaluable.
At its core, "Dapping Up 10s" is about acknowledgement. It’s a way of saying, “I see you, and I think you’re amazing.” In a world where people often feel invisible or overlooked, this simple act of recognition can be incredibly powerful. Even if the interaction lasts only a few seconds, it has the potential to brighten someone’s day.
At We Met IRL, we’ve always championed the value of in-person connections. This trend aligns perfectly with our mission to bring people together in real life, fostering genuine interactions in a world increasingly dominated by screens. Whether or not these daps lead to lasting relationships, they’re proof that approaching someone—even just to say hello—is still a powerful act.
Here’s to more daps, more smiles, and more connections—both online and IRL.
Thanks for reading,
Maxine
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