'Floodlighting' Trend Highlights Modern Dating Challenges

A new toxic dating trend called 'floodlighting' has emerged in 2025, characterized by individuals oversharing emotionally charged personal details early in a relationship to create a false sense of intimacy. This behavior, highlighted in popular media and shows like 'Love Is Blind,' can overwhelm both parties and lead to emotional imbalances. Relationship expert Jessica Alderson explains that while vulnerability is essential, 'floodlighting' uses it as a tool to test compatibility and speed up intimacy, often resulting in an uneven emotional burden. The term, coined by Brené Brown, is described as using personal information as 'armor,' potentially exploiting the listener's empathy. This phenomenon underscores the complex landscape of modern dating, where traditional gestures are replaced by manipulative tactics, leaving many feeling disillusioned and exhausted. Critics argue that while some may unintentionally engage in floodlighting seeking reassurance, it often serves as a manipulative strategy to gain trust quickly.