Today, we live in a technology-based world. So, essentially, we spend a lot of our time during our day with technology. And I am not one to criticize. I am sitting here currently typing this on my laptop while listening to music on my phone.
One of the perks that have come with this new technology is the development of an "online persona." The wall that separates face-to-face contact from sitting, typing behind a computer screen. We live in the ‘digital love’ era. There is no doubt that it can be beneficial.
And it's also no surprise that dating over technology has taken off. It gives people a socially acceptable way of increasing their social support system and potential dating pool. Apps are not only helping people find love, but also connections to people similar to themselves.
It beats the awkwardness of approaching someone in a bar, and this way, you can gauge whether that person is someone you have lots in common with before taking the time to go on a date.
However, online dating also comes with many dangers. It is easier for strangers to lie and pretend to be someone they’re not. Those predators will use the benefit of hiding behind a screen to attempt to reel in victims. And if you have ever seen the show, Catfish, a lot of times you have no idea who you could be talking to online.
By putting your information out there for everyone to see, it's so easy for others to collect that and use it against you. Anyone can find it.
We have also learned to base our decisions on edited photos and bios that advertise our best features. For example, on the app, Tinder, you base your first impression on someone's collection of pictures and a short sentence or two on their interests. If you're looking for a quick fling, that might be your thing. But if you are looking into a relationship, that's probably not the best way to meet someone.
By spending so much time online, we begin to configure these things into our natural conversation. Our worries as young adults living in this technology-era nowadays revolve around their recent activity on social media. We use lingo that most of our elderly relatives would never understand.
"He just liked that girls Facebook post... is he over me already?" "She just posted another photo with him. She's already moved on." "Did you see her latest tweet? She should 'at' me next time."
We live in a world where everything we want presents itself to us instantaneously. Want food? Order it online. Want to see a new movie? Watch it on Netflix. (Or find some illegal site it's on.)
There are also little to no aspects of traditional dating in our world today. It still definitely exists, but we rely more on hiding behind our screens to communicate rather than meeting in person.
Overall, dating in today's world has it benefits and disadvantages. You can choose whether or not you want to "swipe right" or actually approach that cute girl or guy in the bar/coffee shop/library. Whatever works for you, works for you and no one should criticize you for it. No matter what, it's important to always be safe.
