### Is Your Crush Into You? 3 Digital Body Language Clues to Watch For

Dating in the digital age often feels like decoding an intricate puzzle. In place of written letters or long phone calls, we’ve got emojis, read receipts, and the all-too-familiar “bad at texting” excuse. As Gen Z continues to dominate the online dating world, a new kind of relationship literacy has emerged: understanding “Digital Body Language” (DBL).

Coined by Logan Ury, Director of Relationship Science at Hinge, DBL refers to the subtle behavioral cues within digital communication that can reveal someone’s true level of interest. Drawing on insights from a recent 2024 study of 15,000 Gen Z Hinge users, Ury highlights three common digital patterns that might indicate your crush isn’t as invested as you’d hoped.

—

### 1. **Inconsistent Responses: Are You a Priority—or an Afterthought?**
One of the clearest warning signs in digital interactions is inconsistent communication. They may respond enthusiastically today, only to disappear for the next three days. If this pattern feels familiar, take note.

“People who care about building a connection will prioritize showing up consistently,” says Ury. This isn’t just advice; the data backs it up. Hinge reported that users who responded to their matches within 24 hours were 44% more likely to receive replies. Lack of consistency in communication may signal waning interest or that their priorities lie elsewhere. It’s important to recognize that meaningful connections are built on reciprocal effort, not on sporadic engagement.

—

### 2. **One-Sided Conversations: The “ZQ” Effect**
Have you ever noticed you’re doing all the work in a conversation—asking questions, sharing stories, and waiting for more than a monosyllabic reply? Worse still, perhaps your crush doesn’t ask you *any* questions. Ury refers to this as the “ZQ Effect,” or Zero Questions.

“When someone’s genuinely interested, they’ll naturally express curiosity about your life—your day, your passions, what excites you,” explains Ury. Healthy communication is a two-way street. A lack of reciprocation isn’t just frustrating; it’s a subtle yet clear indicator they may not be emotionally invested. If you’re feeling like a conversation detective, constantly probing for signs of interest, it’s worth considering whether the effort is balanced.

—

### 3. **The “Bad at Texting” Excuse—Is It Real?**
“I’m just bad at texting.” How many times have you heard this from someone you’re into? While being “bad at texting” is a valid excuse for some, Ury points out that it only holds up if they’re actively finding other ways to connect.

“People who care will make an effort,” she says. Whether it’s sharing memes, sending photos, or suggesting a call or in-person meetup, actions speak volumes. Hinge’s research highlights that while digital communication is an important tool for building connections, it’s not the end-all-be-all. What matters most is intentionality. If someone isn’t putting effort into staying in touch—texting or otherwise—they’re likely signaling a lack of genuine interest.

—

### Beyond the Screen: Real Connections Happen IRL
As useful as DBL can be, it’s essential to remember that digital clues are just one piece of the puzzle. “You don’t know if someone’s in-person vibe will match their digital behavior,” says Ury. Chemistry happens in real life, not through pixels and typing bubbles.

Dating apps like Hinge are leaning heavily into promoting intentional dating. This means encouraging users to skip the overthinking phase and transition to in-person meetups sooner rather than later. After all, if someone isn’t showing they’re invested digitally, they’re unlikely to invest much in real life.

—

### Final Thoughts: Staying True to Your Worth
In the modern dating world, it’s easy to get lost in overanalyzing texts and DMs. But at the end of the day, Digital Body Language offers straightforward insights into someone’s intentions. Look for consistency, balance, and effort. If your crush isn’t meeting these basic standards, it’s a clear signal it might be time to move on to someone who will.

Remember: a real connection isn’t about perfect texting skills—it’s about mutual effort, curiosity, and shared intentionality. So trust your instincts, and don’t settle for anything less than the effort you deserve. Whether online or in real life, genuine connections have a way of standing out. Keep swiping forward—you’re worth it.