No, Our Generation Has Not Ruined Dating | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

No, Our Generation Has Not Ruined Dating

Millennials are nowhere near as shallow and technology-dependent as people would like to believe.

38
No, Our Generation Has Not Ruined Dating

Contrary to popular belief, millennial dating has not crashed and burned into a pile of smoldering ash. In fact, it's thriving. Although some are blind to our generation's redeeming qualities, others are embracing the ways that our generation has changed the world of relationships.

Online dating has a reputation of being shallow and dangerous, which it certainly can be. However, there is an unwarranted amount of technophobia among dating critics. There are thousands of people who use online dating sites because they are unable to find a partner on their own. This may be due to sexual orientation, a disability or even just shyness. Online dating has allowed for many new experiences in people's lives. Millennials are able to meet a wider range of possible partners, which grants them the ability to explore what they want in a relationship.

Online dating is not the only type of technology that is considered to be "ruining dating" for our generation. Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram are all being touted as ways that millennials avoid getting to know one another more intimately. In reality, we all realize that social media presents our best self to others and is nowhere near an accurate portrait of a person. Looking at how a person interacts with others on social media is really just one of many ways that we get to know one another.

Social media has not, by any means, replaced face to face conversations. For example, the vast majority of people would leave if their date refused to get off of their phone. Face to face conversations are important, but critics act as if there is something diminishing about looking up someone on social media. Social media helps people learn a few quick things about someone so that a few conversation topics can already be thought of. Social media and technology keep people connected in more ways than critics say that it keeps us apart.

Millennial dating doesn't always involve the traditional definition of dating. Friends with benefits, one-night stands and non-monogamous relationships are all new standards of dating in today's world.

While it is possible and understandable to paint these in a negative light, there are also healthy reasons for why these types of relationships exist. For one, women are no longer expected to remain virgins. They can explore sexual freedom in ways that previous generations couldn't. Women are also choosing to build careers instead of families. These career women can find sexual freedom while leading busy and stressful day-to-day lives.

If you find yourself being disheartened by dating, it may just be because dating is difficult and messy. It always has been, and it always will be. There is no real reason to place all the blame on our generation. Millennials are nowhere near as shallow and technology-dependent as people would like to believe. If you take time to shut out the critics and see the dating world for yourself, you might just be pleasantly surprised.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
10 things that happen the second Thanksgiving is over
reference.com

To those who celebrate, you just spent an entire day cooking an elaborate meal with all of your favorite foods. You probably ate your body weight in pumpkin pie and mashed potatoes. What happens now? Oh yea, Christmas. It’s time to take out all of the decorations and Christmas themed things that have been sitting in the attic since last year; it’s time to make a reappearance. So, here are 10 things that happen the second Thanksgiving is over.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

18 Things I Want To Do Now That I'm 18

I'm technically an adult, so I'm legally required to live a little, right?

2629
Happy Birthday Cake

For the entirety of my high school career, I was always seen as the goody-two-shoes. I never got in trouble with a teacher, I kept stellar grades, and when I wasn't doing extracurricular activities, I was at home studying. Even when I did go out, it was usually with a bunch of fellow band geeks. The night would end before 11:00 PM and the only controversial activity would be a fight based on who unfairly won a round of Apples-to-Apples when someone else clearly had a better card (I promise I'm not still holding a grudge).

Now that I'm officially an adult, I want to pursue some new things. I want to experience life in a way that I never allowed myself to do prior to entering college. These are the years that I'm supposed to embark on a journey of self-discovery, so what better way to do that than to create a bucket list?

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics

The holiday classics that shaped my life

1564
10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics
Flickr

The holiday season is full of stress, debt, and forced conversation. While we rush through the month of December, it's important to take a step back and enjoy the moments before they're gone. Most families love to watch Christmas movies, but these beloved films provide more than entertainment. Here are 10 life lessons that I've learned from the holiday classics we watch every year.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

200823
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

21290
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments