Hope Walz, the daughter of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, recently sparked both laughter and interest when she shared her unconventional dating "litmus test" on TikTok. The 23-year-old determined one single criteria to help gauge potential suitors, and it revolves around which celebrities they follow on Instagram, particularly the popular podcaster Joe Rogan.
According to Walz, this red flag could indicate the values and beliefs of the men she might date. Any guy who follows Rogan—who boasts more than 12 million Instagram followers and engages with significant numbers of followers who lean toward controversial political viewpoints—immediately raises her concerns. "This litmus test has never failed me," she declared confidently.
Rogan, famous for his podcast The Joe Rogan Experience, often gives voice to guests from diverse backgrounds, including those associated with conspiracy theories and controversial political discourse. His platform has hosted names like White House hopeful Donald Trump, internet provocateur Alex Jones, and influential personalities like Elon Musk and Jordan Peterson. This backdrop makes Walz's test especially interesting considering the negative connotations associated with many of his guests.
"I'm not saying every guy who follows him is problematic, but it's worth considering… I’d rather discover someone's views sooner rather than later," she said. Many women have echoed her sentiments, chiming in on TikTok with their own experiences and perspectives on the matter. Besides Rogan, several others surfaced as red flag figures, including figures like Ben Shapiro and Candace Owens.
Walz has had her fair share of dating disappointments, but this approach allows her to weed out potential partners more effectively. "It’s not just me; my friends use it too. We have all seen how many guys follow Rogan, and what it implies about their outlook," she noted. Yet Walz isn't merely avoiding the men who follow Rogan blindly. Instead, she's tested her theory by interacting with several Rogan fans and found her suspicions validated more often than not.
"If they have extreme views, it’s often not going to align with my values, so it’s best I find out now," she reasoned.
Despite the significant number of men who do follow Rogan and similar personalities, Walz acknowledges the risk of limiting her dating pool. "Of course, it means fewer options, but I'd rather have quality over quantity. It clarifies early on where we stand on social issues," she explained. It seems this practice of gauging political alignment through social media following could resonate with many others seeking meaningful connections.
This story highlights not just Walz’s personal dating preferences, but also sheds light on the broader cultural phenomenon where individuals increasingly seek compatibility through common values and beliefs displayed on social media. Couples today often find themselves examining backgrounds, interests, and even the politicians they like to filter out potential conflicts—an extension of our move to digital spaces for interactions and engagements.
Whether through humor or sincerity, Walz's litmus test has sparked discussions among peers and triggered broader contemplation about how social media influences modern love and dating dynamics. It is not merely about preference but aligns with how generational divides shift over values, worldviews, and who we choose to endorse publicly and privately.