Today's world of dating is not what it used to be. Back in the "olden days" dating consisted of courting, movie nights, and romantic weekend trips. Now yes, there is still some of that with this generation. However, sadly, it appears that the romantic aspect of dating is slowly slipping away. With the rise of social media, many people seem to prefer texting over phone calls and Snapchatting to talking in person. Hell, even giving a girl flowers is slowly losing traction as there is an emoji for that these days.

So why the sudden change in culture? Why are young people more concerned about the present instead of the future? Granted young people need to test the waters before settling down, however it seems that more young people are playing with fire instead of running a stable experiment. With this mind, why are these people willingly choosing over and over again to play with fire? It seems that people don't want to put themselves out there, and try, if they do not have to. So, instead of asking someone out on a date like humanity used to, what do people turn to calm that burning romantic fire inside? Well the answer to that is simple as there is three reasons to why romance no longer exists in this generation.

1. The Advantage of Technology

Instead of looking for a soulmate, many are just looking for the next "hook-up". Sadly, there are even apps to help with that. For example, Tinder uses the swipe mechanism feature to rate people. To make things even worse, there is even an urban dictionary term for it... (In my opinion though, the thought of Netflix for a date could be even worse.

Swipe right:

(verb) A phrase used to describe your acceptance of something. The term was originally a reference to the Tinder app. On Tinder, swiping right means you approve of a male/female after judging them by a few picture and a short bio. "Swipe right" can be used anytime you make a good choice or approve of something.

Original usage:

That girl Hannah over there is really hott. I would definitely swipe right on her.

2. Embracing Laziness

Falling in with technology, why date around when someone can text five different people at once? With all of the different messaging and picture sharing sites (Snapchat, Facebook Messenger, etc.) it is understandable to how many people would not want to go out when they appear to be able to do it all from their phone. Why get all dressed up to go out when one could potentially sit at home with their phone and flirt?

3. Hooking- Up With Other People

The concept is quite a simple one. Go out with some friends (or go out alone), pick up a person, sleep with them, and then never communicate to them again. This term is also synonymous with the traditional "one night stand". However, hook- ups can be repetitive, as long as no real relationship is formed. Younger people are looking more towards these types of relationships for two reasons, sex with no stringsand a boost in self- confidence. Many seem to think that this is all that they need; that a relationship isn't needed as long as the physical component is taken care of. Due to this train of thought, being romantic towards another simply isn't necessary as humanity goes back to mating for needs instead of mating for enjoyment and fulfillment.

In today's society true, romantic, relationships are not forming due to more and more people following the three steps outlined above. They are scared to commitment, plus factoring in standards of beauty and failing self- confidence, many people ink that there is no reason to put forth effort when they think they do not deserve the same effort back.This view of thought needs to shift because if it doesn't the world could be looking at less marriage and more lonely souls.