Experts issue warning over new 'floodlighting' dating trend

Dating in 2025 involves navigating a minefield of red flags such as gaslighting, abusive or controlling behaviour, and love-bombing. Not to be confused with 'trauma-dumping', or sharing traumatic experiences in a way that might be overwhelming for the listener, 'floodlighting' involves divulging lots of sensitive details about their lives very early in a relationship Experts have warned that 'floodlighting' can be harmful to both parties The term 'floodlighting' is credited to American academic and podcaster Brene Brown, who coined it in her book The Power of Vulnerability: Teachings of Authenticity, Connections and Courage. Discussing floodlighting in a TikTok video shared last March, American actress Becca Tobin and the host of The Lady Gang podcast said it 'presents as somebody who is very open and very vulnerable' in a TikTok video shared last March. American actress Becca Tobin and the host of The Lady Gang podcast noted that it 'presents as somebody who is very open and very vulnerable' in a TikTok video shared last March 'If you can see that someone is carefully watching your reactions to their disclosures,' she told the magazine, 'it could be a sign of floodlighting.' 'Floodlighting' is the latest toxic dating trend to sweep the internet after experts previously sounded the alarm over 'snowmanning' or when the interests of a new sexual partner 'melt away' within 24 hours.