The Politics of Your Situationship: Love, Power,  & Why We Can’t Figure Out ‘What Are We?'

Why are our dating lives such a hot freaking mess? Is it the apps, Covid, porn culture, the political gender divide, or a reflection of the general breakdown of civil society? Let’s talk about it – and we actually mean TALK — with some experts on these issues together, candidly – and get under the ghosting, the love bombing and the breadcrumbing. Does Gen Z want a fairytale ending and if so, how do we get there? Bring your dating horror stories, your fantasy wedding Pinterest board, and your screenshots (redacted, of course).  

Featuring Rachel Janfaza, founder of The Up and Up, a qualitative research, media, and strategy firm focused on Gen Z and Dr. Jeffrey Bowen, professor of the psychology of dating and relationships at Johns Hopkins University. Moderated by IOP senior director Jennifer Steinhauer. 

Please note that this event will be off the record and open to current students only. This program will not be livestreamed or otherwise recorded.
 

If you have any questions about accessibility, please contact iopevents@uchicago.edu.

Tuesday, March 24, 2026
Ida Noyes Third Floor Theatre
5:30 - 6:45 pm