The preponderance of technology in modern life has pulled the world closer together while at the same, time creating more separation. Dating is a prime example of this technological fallout with both men and women paying a price. So let’s take a quick look at how technology and social media have enabled dating and also made it more challenging to find a mate.
The good stuff.
Hooray for online dating. Everyone is busy and people don’t have the time to troll the bars and clubs to find their mate. Women can hang with their BFF’s while occasionally checking their phones for the next group of guys who reach out and tell them they’re hot. And dudes can score dates with hot women while sitting at home in their tighty whiteys. Dating online is fast, empowering, and fun. If you’re a guy, all you need is spell-check, a photo with your shirt on, and the patience to mindfully read a person’s profile. After a short message or email, you exchange digits and you’re off and running.
When you get together everything can change quickly. But what if there aren’t any sparks? When you meet online, you can end it with one keystroke—delete. It’s generally considered that people we meet online are disposable and replaceable. That’s not necessarily fair, but it’s how the game is played. So if you can check your feelings at the door, you have a shot at finding a match. And millions do every day. My wife likes to say that she found me online, and there are so many others who have found their soul mate online.
Things to keep in mind.
Not everyone has a thick skin and can deal with the ‘cut and dried’ aspects of online dating. So we need to remind ourselves that there is a human being with real feelings and emotions behind their online persona. Just because you met online or through an app doesn’t make him or her any less deserving of your respect. Keep your standards high and don’t forget the words—please, excuse me, and thank you. And if she’s interested and it’s not a match, at least let her know that there were no sparks if she asks.
Another consideration is that, an itchy trigger finger on that delete button could prevent you from getting to know someone who is worth a little extra effort. Not everyone is consistently at the top of his or her game when flirting online or during that first meet up. That’s not to suggest that you waste your time on an obviously bad fit. But if you think about some of your best friends or lovers, did those relationships always begin under the best circumstances?
Oops.
Between Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat, we live in an age of maximum exposure. And once something finds its way online, it’s there forever. Keep that in mind next time you think it’s acceptable to sext pics of your junk to a lady or before you take that selfie while drinking from that bottle of chocolate whipped cream vodka. These might not be images you want to share with a prospective mate or potential employer.
Technology and social media can be a dater’s best friend or worst enemy. Always remember that dating is a face-to-face activity. Keep it real, amigo.
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This post was originally published on robertmanni.com, and is republished on Medium.
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