New UCLA study shows teens prefer friendships over romance in media.

Teens’ Changing Tastes in Entertainment

A new study from UCLA’s Center for Scholars and Storytellers reveals a significant shift in what teens and young adults want from their media. More than half of respondents in the “Teens and Screens” survey expressed a preference for storylines focused on friendship over romance, with nearly 40% interested in seeing more non-romantic and asexual characters on screen. Dubbed the “nomance” trend, this movement signals that many young people are moving away from romance-centric narratives that have long dominated movies and TV.

In a world increasingly influenced by digital connections and a desire for authenticity, Gen Z’s call for more diverse relationships speaks volumes. Their focus on real, platonic connections reflects a craving for representation that mirrors their lived experiences, especially in the wake of the isolation brought on by the pandemic. For content creators, this trend presents an exciting opportunity to expand storytelling horizons and connect more meaningfully with youth audiences.

Why the Shift? Teens’ Need for Authentic, Platonic Storylines

The rising interest in platonic friendships and non-romantic relationships isn’t just a trend; it reflects deeper shifts in how today’s youth view relationships. The pandemic played a significant role in this transformation, with isolation highlighting the importance of meaningful, non-romantic connections. Many teens are now looking for stories that emphasize companionship and personal growth without the pressures or expectations often attached to romantic relationships.

Gen Z also values authenticity in media. They are quick to spot unrealistic portrayals and are increasingly drawn to characters and stories that feel genuine. With romance and sexual content dominating traditional media, many teens feel that these themes are overdone, leaving them disconnected from the characters and stories they consume. By focusing on friendships, creators have an opportunity to present stories that resonate on a deeper, more relatable level.

What Teens Want to See More Of: Friendships, Diversity, and Depth

As teens move away from romance-centric plots, they’re calling for more stories that reflect a variety of human connections. Platonic friendships rank at the top, with many teens wanting to see narratives that celebrate close bonds between friends as a primary focus. Whether it’s the camaraderie of a friend group or the journey of two best friends supporting each other through life’s challenges, these relationships are what resonate most with today’s youth.

There is also a rising call for representation of asexual and aromantic characters. Nearly 40% of respondents expressed a desire to see more characters whose lives don’t revolve around romance, mirroring a broader push for diverse identities and inclusive storytelling. These storylines provide validation for teens who don’t see romance as a defining part of their experience, helping to normalize a spectrum of identities that have been underrepresented in media.

Teens are drawn to character-driven plots that focus on growth, adventure, and community. They want to see characters navigating personal challenges, building strong connections, and finding their place in the world. These themes provide teens with characters they can relate to and lessons that extend beyond romantic storylines, offering a broader, more inclusive view of life’s possibilities.

Embracing “Nomance” to Foster Respect and Healthy Connections

The rise of the “nomance” trend highlights a cultural shift that aligns strongly with SafeBAE’s mission to foster healthy, respectful relationships among teens. By valuing friendship and diverse, non-romantic connections, today’s youth are calling for a broader definition of relationships that transcends romance and centers on respect, support, and authenticity. This shift is a reminder of the importance of SafeBAE’s work in consent education, dating violence prevention, and creating inclusive spaces where all identities and relationships are valued.

As we continue to support young people in building strong, supportive connections, SafeBAE remains committed to helping teens recognize that every relationship—whether platonic or romantic—is an opportunity to practice empathy, set boundaries, and show respect. With a peer-led approach, we aim to provide tools that resonate with the unique perspectives and evolving values of Gen Z. Together, we can champion a culture where all forms of relationships are seen, respected, and celebrated, empowering teens to foster safer, more inclusive communities.

Join us in this mission! Support SafeBAE’s efforts to empower young people by exploring our resources, sharing our work, and helping us create a world where all relationships are built on mutual respect. Visit SafeBAE.org to learn more, donate, or get involved.