Over the last few years, I have seen a massive shift towards virtual dating, with many friends and family turning to online platforms to search for love and commitment.
The days of snail mail, AOL instant messenger, and phone calls are over. Now there is AI, chatbots, video calls, and other various means of technology that make online dating fun and exciting.
There are positive perks to this new wave of technology. Several of my closest friends have met their spouses on dating apps, but even they will admit that online dating has also created challenges.
…
Virtual Dating Has Become The New Normal
COVID-19 accelerated the shift toward virtual dating. With social distancing measures in place, people had to find new ways to connect with others. Online dating platforms have seen a surge in users, with many people turning to apps like Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge to find potential partners. Virtual dating has become the new normal and will likely continue to be popular even after the pandemic.
Virtual dating has many perks. I have friends who love meeting and connecting with people from the comfort of home while getting to know someone before meeting in person. Vetting people beforehand can help save time and prevent disappointment or rejection because people can detect whether or not they are compatible before taking the next step.
However, virtual dating does not come without its downsides. It can be challenging to build a real connection with someone over a screen, and many people find it harder to express themselves online. Additionally, virtual dating can be impersonal and provide an easy excuse to keep from meeting people in the real world.
…
AI Is Rising, And We Aren’t Stopping It.
Many dating apps now use AI (Artificial intelligence) algorithms to match users based on their preferences and interests. Someone seeking a compatible partner can leverage the ability to match with someone who has similar hobbies and values.
If you’ve ever used a dating app, you may have realized that you were receiving personalized recommendations after some time. Additionally, some apps use AI to detect and remove fake profiles, which can help make the dating experience safer and more enjoyable.
However, there are also concerns about the use of AI in dating. Some people worry that algorithms will perpetuate existing biases and discrimination. Additionally, there are concerns that AI could lead to a homogenization of dating, with people being matched with others who are similar to them rather than different.
…
Social Media Is Yet Another Avenue For Connection
Over the last couple of years, I have noticed an influx of TikTok influencers meeting via the platform and dating. Even apps such as Instagram and Facebook can provide another avenue to meet someone because you can message anyone worldwide.
Meeting someone via one of these prevalent social media platforms does have its downsides. Most content creators present a curated version of themselves to their audience. Who we see on the screen is usually someone other than the person behind the account. These factors can be a huge source of anxiety because we feel pressured to present ourselves in a certain way to attract potential partners.
…
Human connection is still at the heart of what people desire.
Technology is changing the dating game in many ways. Virtual dating has become the new normal, and AI is used to make the dating experience more efficient and enjoyable. Social media has also significantly impacted the dating world, creating new opportunities for connection and new challenges.
Whether we like it or not, technology is here to stay but connecting with people in real life is what we all seem to desire still.
—
This post was previously published on medium.com.
***
You may also like these posts on The Good Men Project:
 White Fragility: Talking to White People About Racism |
 Escape the “Act Like a Man” Box |
 The Lack of Gentle Platonic Touch in Men’s Lives is a Killer |
 |
—
Photo credit: Mario Verduzco on Unsplash
