Do Soulmates Exist, or Is It Just a TikTok Fantasy?

Last Updated on February 13, 2025

Let’s be honest: TikTok has had us low-key obsessed with the idea of soulmates. But are soulmates actually real, or is it just a TikTok-fed fever dream?

The concept of soul mates has been romanticized throughout centuries. Still, today’s social media trends let the idea of soulmates live rent-free in our minds.

Between twin flame readings, love manifestation TikToks, and “National Soulmate Day” posts on Instagram, such content gives soulmate energy. With this type of content everywhere, it is easy to question whether the idea of soulmates is real.

It is said that we should not believe everything on the internet, but sometimes we can’t help but admire how cute and in sync these couples look. They have found the perfect ‘one.’

So, do soulmates exist, and can we find our perfect match? Let’s break it down with history, psychology, and a little science to separate. Spoiler alert: It’s more chemistry than destiny.

The Soulmate Glow-Up: How We Got Here

Ancient Meets Viral

You’d be surprised that the concept of soulmates is not new. Even ancient Greeks thought about it. Plato talked about the idea of soulmates in his symposium. According to Plato, humans were whole, with two faces, four arms, and four legs. The Greek gods were afraid and jealous of humans, and as punishment, the god Zeus split them in half and made them incomplete. Leaving humans roaming the earth in search of this missing piece.

If you asked Plato,” Do soulmates exist?” He’d probably tell you,” And when one of them meets with his other half, the actual half of himself … the pair are lost in amazement of love, friendship, and intimacy. One will not be out of the other’s sight, as I may say, even for a moment.” (this is from his symposium).

Fast-forward to today, and we’ve swapped mythology for rom-coms, dating apps, and viral TikTok trends. Modern culture has strengthened the soulmate narrative through classic romance movies like The Notebook, K-dramas whose romantic storylines make us believe in destined love, and Disney films where a prince’s kiss is destined to save a dying princess.

In this day and age, thanks to social media, the soulmate myth has gotten an upgrade. People are scripting their soulmate into existence through the law of attraction and searching for cosmic compatibility through astrology and twin flame theory.

Why We’re Hooked

What leads us to this obsession with a perfect match made in heaven? I’d  Blame it on:

• Disney and Hollywood movies and shows: We grew up watching Cinderella find her Prince Charming using a glass slipper. Friends tell us that Ross and Rachel were “meant to be,” even after everything they went through.
• Social Media & TikTok Trends: From posts like “POV: You Just Found Your Soulmate” on TikTok to astrologers claiming they can predict zodiac soulmates by birth dates to couple TikToks with signs of chemistry between two people, the internet fuels our soulmate dreams and intensifies the search for real-life soulmate relationships.
• The Fear of Being Alone: The soulmate belief provides comfort in an uncertain dating world. Because, let’s be real people, the modern dating world can be ruthless and soul-crashing.

Cultural Takes on Soulmates

It is indisputable that the idea of soulmates is real. Do soulmates exist? The answer depends on perspective. Different cultures have unique views on soulmates, shaping how people define and experience these deep connections.

• Western Love Stories: They emphasize “the one” as a romantic, once-in-a-lifetime connection. They suggest that among billions of people, there is a special person who you encounter in a romantic cocaine-rush phase who completes you and makes you whole.
• Eastern Philosophy: They focus more on karmic connections and reincarnations, where soulmates come into our lives to learn and grow. These connections can be multiple and for a season rather than eternal love. Their philosophy also encourages one to work on themselves deeper to find healthy relationships rather than focus on finding the one true love.
• Spiritual Beliefs: Some believe in twin flames or soul contracts designed by a higher power or fate, where two souls are destined to meet across lifetimes. They believe there is an instant realization of their chemistry, where they balance each other’s energy.

So, are soulmates universal, or is it just another Hollywood fantasy?

TikTok vs. Reality: What the Algorithm Won’t Tell You

Manifestation vs. Science

TikTok will have you believe that writing “I will find my soulmate” 33 times a day will summon them into your life. While manifestation techniques can help set intentions for the perfect partner and build confidence that you will find your prince charming, basic relationship skills are what will keep your soulmate connection.

The truth? Love isn’t just about wishing it into existence; it’s about working on action, timing, and compatibility. Studies have shown that long-term relationship success is built on shared values, combined effort, and emotional intelligence; it does not just rely on cosmic alignment or zodiac soulmates.

Red Flags to Watch

Soulmate culture can set unrealistic expectations, making people believe that:

• Love should be effortless: Here’s the stark reality: Even great relationships take work and commitment.
• Your soulmate will ‘just know’ what you need: Healthy communication is key; your partner can’t read your mind.
• The first intense spark = meant to be: Sometimes, instant chemistry is just a dopamine rush, not a sign of long-term compatibility.

Real Talk: The Role of Timing & Compatibility

Sometimes, you can meet the perfect person at the wrong time, or you could misread infatuation for signs of chemistry between two people. In reality, compatibility and effort matter more than fate alone.

Studies on relationship satisfaction highlight that couples who actively work on their relationship, rather than just believing in destiny or zodiac soulmates, have stronger bonds and healthier relationships. Do soulmates exist? Perhaps, but true connection comes from effort, communication, and growth—not just fate.

The Science Behind Soulmates (Spoiler: It’s More Chemistry Than Destiny)

Brain Chemistry 101

@julianphilosophy Soulmate test #soulmate #relationship #couplestiktok #inlove #love ♬ original sound – Julian de Medeiros

Falling in love isn’t magic. It’s science. Research shows that our brains are wired to form deep connections with people we are attracted to. When you meet someone you’re attracted to, your brain releases dopamine (the “feel-good” chemical) and oxytocin (the “bonding” hormone). This creates an emotional high that intensifies early romance and could be interpreted as a “soulmate” connection. But does that mean they’re your soulmate? Not necessarily.

Attachment Theory & Relationship Success

@drsarahhensley Attachment theory in 3 minutes. I could talk for hours but here’s the tip of the iceberg. I didn’t get to talk about why DAs shut down, why FAs fight, or why the anxious emotionally dump. Follow me for more! #attachmentstyle #science #psychology #relationships #fyp #foryoupage ♬ original sound – Dr. Sarah Hensley | Love Doc

Our attachment style plays a significant role in the success of building relationships:

• Secure attachment: Feels stable and trusting in relationships, leading to stronger satisfaction, trust, and intimacy.
• Anxious attachment: Fears of losing a partner lead to a clingy partner who craves validation, which can strain a relationship.
• Avoidant attachment: Fears intimacy, keeps distance, and avoids communication, leading to a bad relationship.

Understanding attachment styles helps explain why some relationships feel like prime relationships while others are just heartbreaking lessons. Do soulmates exist? Perhaps, but building a secure attachment can create a deep, lasting bond that feels just as strong—making every day feel like a national soulmate day in your relationship.

Studies Say: The Reality of Long-Term Love

@queersextherapy Keep the love alive in your long term relationships by practicing these rituals and making them a part of your everyday (or every week)! Which are you going to try first in your relationship? #longtermrelationshiptips #longtermrelationships #intimacytherapist #queertherapists #relationshiprituals ♬ original sound – Casey Tanner

Psychologists suggest that long-term compatibility is based on mutual respect, communication, and emotional intelligence—not just destiny. Do soulmates exist? Research shows that couples who focus on “working through challenges” rather than “finding the perfect person” tend to have healthier, more fulfilling relationships.

Do We Have ‘One’ or ‘Many’ Soulmates? (Let’s Debunk the Myths)

@annabellegesson Replying to @Link123z74 ♬ original sound – annabelle gesson

Soul Ties & Situationships

The idea of “one true soulmate” is limiting. Do soulmates exist? Many people experience different deep connections, including romantic, platonic, and karmic, suggesting that soulmates can come in many forms rather than just one destined person.

Types of Soulmates

• Romantic Soulmates: The ones you fall in love with sincerely.
• Platonic Soulmates: Your best friends who get you.
• Karmic Connections: Relationships that push you to grow, even though they are temporary.

The Myth of Forever

Not all soulmates last forever, and that’s okay. Sometimes, a “soulmate” is just someone who helps you become a better version of yourself before you both move on.

How to Stop Waiting and Start Finding ‘Your Person’

Manifest, But Don’t Obsess

@shopwithjaclyn How I went from desperately single for 10 years to then attracting my soulmate #soulmate #soulmateattraction #howtomanifestlove #manifest #manifestation #manifestationmethod #manifestationtiktok #manifestyoursoulmate ♬ original sound – shopwithjaclyn

Being open to love is great, but waiting around for a cosmic sign isn’t. Instead, focus on:

• Building self-confidence – The better you feel about yourself, the healthier relationships you attract.
• Putting yourself out there – Love won’t find you if you hide in your comfort zone.
• Recognizing real compatibility – Chemistry is great, but shared values and emotional maturity matter more.

Look for Compatibility, Not Perfection

@karlikershaw Loving another is not easy, let’s be honest. If you’re not fundamentally aligned in your values and what you want, it creates a lot of tension and breakdown in the relationship. Are you compatible? What areas need work? I’d love you to share! I help my couples get more aligned and teach them ways to express and communicate to each other, creating a win/win 🥰 #howtohavehealthyrelationships #secureattachment #relationshipgoals #relationshipadvice ♬ Ambient-style emotional piano – MoppySound

The idea of a “perfect person” is a myth—look for someone who complements you, not completes you. Do soulmates exist? That depends on how you define them. A soulmate shouldn’t feel like magic 24/7. They should feel like home—comfortable, safe, and easy to be around.

Dating in the Digital Age

Dating apps, social media, and situationships make modern dating chaotic! Recognizing red flags and setting boundaries can help you find real connections. Love is a mix of effort, timing, and compatibility, not just destiny.

So, Are Soulmates Real or Nah?

Soulmates exist, but not in the way we think. Instead of searching and trying to manifest signs of chemistry between two people for a single, perfect match, focus on building strong relationships with people who are currently in your life and bringing out the best in you. Love isn’t just fate—it’s a choice, effort, and sometimes perfect timing. So, do you believe in soulmates? Drop your thoughts in the comments. And if you’re curious about love, check out our guides on dating, love affirmations, and more!