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Tinder study reveals Gen Z driven by self-discovery
MUMBAI: Popular dating app Tinder has done a unique study on the youth population in India revealing that the early 20s have acquired “a new meaning and cultural significance” for the GenZ. The study reveals that the youngsters in the age bracket of 18 to 25 are changing the norms of “adulting” by trying to be freer in exploring career fits, relationships, interactions, self expression, self-identity, and the direction they want their life to take. For both men and women, getting married and having kids ranks fairly low on their 5 year-goals lists and aspirations. So does accumulating assets – they would much rather collect experiences.
The study states for young Indians in the ages of 18 to 25, ‘being myself’ is the most important priority over a five-year horizon. For those in the ages of 18 to 22, this is followed by making their parents proud (56 per cent), building strong friendships (56 per cent), finishing their education (52 per cent) and exploring the world and meeting different people (42 per cent). These priorities evolve somewhat for those in the age group of 22 to 25 years, with getting a good job becoming a key priority (56 per cent), while making their parents proud (54 per cent) and building strong friendships (52 per cent) remain strong priorities for this cohort as well.
Tinder’s research also found that the uncertainties of this life stage are felt in more pronounced ways for women in India who have conventionally had much more pressure to adhere to social expectations and norms, and are also allowed less time than men before being asked to “settle down". 63 per cent of women surveyed indicated their desire to work hard to achieve self identified goals as a top priority.
Speaking about the insights, Tinder India – GM Taru Kapoor said, “In our social narrative, there always has been a lot of focus on ‘goals’ and ‘successes’ – the perfect life partner, the settled career path, the house, the car or whatever it is that one aspires to. But we have never really focused on celebrating the journey that gets us there – the mishaps and the milestones, the sometimes confusing but ultimately very memorable phase of life that is unique for everyone. We want to celebrate the little wins and showcase empathy towards the struggles, dilemmas, worries, and wins of this life stage without judgment. We believe the journey is just as important to celebrate and cherish as the destination. It is the journey of growing up and discovering the world and yourself. It is an opportunity to deeply examine your values and challenge preconceived definitions of happiness, success, and possibilities. We are therefore celebrating the journey towards ‘Adulting’. Tinder is a companion and champion as we celebrate this life-phase and navigate all its unique dilemmas and problems.”
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ZEEL transfers syndication business, invests Rs 505 crore in IP push
Restructuring, stake buy and FCCB moves signal sharper content strategy
MUMBAI: In the content economy, owning the story is half the battle monetising it is the real game, and Zee Entertainment Enterprises is doubling down on both. The company has approved the transfer of its syndication and content licensing business to its wholly owned subsidiary ZI-IPR Enterprises, alongside an investment of Rs 505 crore aimed at strengthening its play in content intellectual property (IP) acquisition, management and monetisation. The move, effective April 1, 2026, will see the business transferred on a slump sale basis at book value, including all associated assets, liabilities and commercial rights effectively consolidating IP operations under a more focused structure.
At its core, the restructuring signals a strategic shift. As content consumption increasingly fragments across digital and global platforms, the value of IP lies not just in creation but in how efficiently it can be distributed, repackaged and monetised across markets. By housing its syndication engine within ZI-IPR Enterprises, ZEEL appears to be building a more agile and scalable ecosystem, one that can better extract value from its vast content library while adapting to evolving distribution models.
But the company’s ambitions are not limited to restructuring. ZEEL has also approved an investment of up to Rs 20.09 crore in Culture of Real Experiences (CORE), acquiring a 51 per cent stake in the entity. The move expands its footprint into the broader creative and experiential space, suggesting a push beyond traditional broadcasting into areas where content, culture and immersive experiences intersect.
At the same time, ZEEL has moved to tidy up its financials, approving the redemption of $23.9 million in outstanding foreign currency convertible bonds (FCCBs) and cancelling an unused $215.1 million commitment. The twin steps are expected to ease pressure on its treasury, freeing up capital and improving financial flexibility as the company invests more aggressively in its IP strategy.
Taken together, the decisions reflect a company in recalibration mode streamlining legacy structures, sharpening its focus on content ownership, and exploring new avenues for growth. In a market where the lines between television, streaming and experiential entertainment are increasingly blurred, ZEEL’s latest moves suggest it is not just creating content, but building a system to make that content travel further and pay better.
