Dating in the times of Technology

‘Love in the times of technology’ has led to heated and often nasty discussions in my friend circle. But we aren’t talking love today. It’s the foreplay: dating. The prevalence of smart phones mean we are always contactable, social media allows others to get to know us before we have even met, and dating apps give us an abundance of choice in a suitable partner or partners.

In a recent conference, the founder of Trulymadly, the Indian dating app, shared that on their app 30% of initiatives  are taken by women. He shared that the times have certainly changed and women and men are open to online dating.

Carole Lieberman’s in her book Bad Boys talks about this technology factor when she says dating has changed from a “romantic serendipitous meeting to a virtual shopping spree”. Online dating has indeed changed people and people’s perception about love.

Let’s look at some of its pros and cons.

Choice

Pros: All the barriers like family, social class, gender or distance seem to have disappeared in thin air and there's nothing to stop you sparking up an online romance with anyone from anywhere.

Con: infinite options mean a choice paralysis and an option overload.

Online Research

Pros: Life’s an open book online. You can get up to the minute information on their public persona, social status and likely psychological issues before you've even sat down for a coffee.

Con: you are up for scrutiny too.

Disposable dates

Pros: App swiping can make you feel like the King of the world, reviewing a Harem of delightful beauties and deciding which ones you want.

Con: The experience of swiping through options is a two way street. When you start to look at people as nothing more than disposable instant impressions, you feel disposable and self-conscious too.

Convenience

Pros: Convenient and time saving

Con: Meeting someone is a unique experience in itself. You might miss on the “spark” factor.

Dating Game

Pros: No strings attached game.

Con: Addiction to random notifications, which spike our dopamine.

Basically, Online dating is a wonderful mystery and if we manage to breed another generation, I'm sure they'll let us know how it all worked out for them.