#DatingTrends

A new dating trend dubbed “cookie jarring” is drawing strong reactions from both relationship experts and young people experiencing the practice firsthand, with many labeling it “disgusting” and “gross.” This phenomenon, which involves dating multiple people at once while keeping some as backup options, is reportedly on the rise among younger generations navigating the complexities of modern romance.

In recent years, the dynamics of dating have shifted as digital technology and social media make it easier than ever to connect with potential partners. “Cookie jarring” describes a scenario where an individual, uncertain about their primary relationship, keeps a secondary person metaphorically “in the cookie jar”—available as an emotional or romantic backup should their main interest fail to pan out. According to leading relationship experts cited in a New York Post report, this trend is creating emotional turmoil and confusion for those left in the backup role, eroding trust and self-esteem for those caught in its snare.

A new psychological study is challenging longstanding stereotypes about sugar dating, revealing that these relationships often go far beyond mere financial transactions and frequently include authentic emotional intimacy, reciprocal influence, and complex motivations for both partners (gilmorehealth.com). Published in 2024 in The Journal of Sex Research, the work offers rare insights into a world that’s growing more visible in Thailand and around the globe due to the expansion of social media and dating platforms.