With Gen Z Prioritizing Friendships, BLK’s New Feature Allows Users to Connect for More Than Just Romance—And Reginae Carter Hosted the Ultimate Girls’ Night In to Prove It | Dating apps aren’t just for dating anymore—at least not for Gen Z. As more young people turn to digital platforms to cultivate friendships, BLK, the leading dating and social app for Black singles, is officially expanding its mission with the launch of Social Mode, a new feature that allows users to toggle between dating and platonic connections.
To celebrate, BLK is partnering with TV personality and socialite Reginae Carter to host the ultimate Girls’ Night In, bringing the new Social Mode to life with an exclusive event that showcases the power of community and friendship.
“Your circle is everything,” says Reginae Carter. “As much as people use dating apps to find love, friendships are just as important—especially for Black women. That’s why I’m so excited to partner with BLK to introduce Social Mode and bring together an amazing group of women for a night of connection, self-care, and fun. We deserve spaces where we can meet, uplift, and vibe with each other, and now, BLK is giving us a way to do that.”
Gen Z is Swiping for Friendships, Not Just Romance
For Gen Z, friendships are as much of a priority as dating—sometimes even more. Studies show that 65% of Gen Z value friendships as much as romantic relationships, and many are already using dating apps to meet new people beyond romance. Whether it’s finding a brunch crew, a workout buddy, or a travel partner, young Black singles are looking for deeper connections, and dating apps are evolving to meet that demand.
With BLK Social Mode, users can now toggle between “Dating” and “Social,” making it easier to connect with like-minded people in their city, regardless of romantic interest. “Connection has always been at the heart of BLK, but we recognize that not every meaningful relationship is romantic,” says Jonathan Kirkland, Head of Brand & Marketing at BLK. “Gen Z is redefining relationships, and Social Mode is our answer to that shift. Now, whether you’re looking for love, friendships, or both, BLK has you covered.”
Reginae Carter Hosts the Ultimate Girls’ Night In—Powered by BLK Social Mode
To showcase Social Mode in action, BLK and Reginae Carter hosted an exclusive Girls’ Night In, encouraging Black women to embrace the “soft life” and prioritize friendships. The private event brought together top influencers, press, and tastemakers for an evening of luxury, self-care, and candid conversations about love, sex, and relationships.
Guests experienced firsthand what BLK Social Mode is all about—curating a circle of strong, inspiring, and like-minded women. From massages and tarot readings to bouquet-making and signature cocktails, the event was a reflection of how Black women prioritize joy, ease, and community in 2025.
To further encourage Black women to embrace the soft life and create their own Girls’ Night In experiences, BLK is launching a Soft Life Giveaway throughout Women’s History Month in March. BLK will be giving away Soft Life Kits, curated with self-care essentials, luxury treats, and exclusive BLK-branded items to help women host their own intentional, joy-filled gatherings. Whether it’s a cozy night in with friends, a self-care moment, or a celebration of sisterhood, BLK is making sure women have everything they need to prioritize ease, connection, and community—just like Reginae did. More details on the giveaway will be available via BLK’s app and social media channels.
Beginning in March, BLK users nationwide can access Social Mode and start making new connections in their city. By simply toggling between “Dating” and “Social” in the app, users can customize their experience and expand their network—whether they’re looking for love, friendships, or both.
To experience BLK Social Mode, download or update BLK in the App Store or Google Play Store today.
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