As humans and technology are evolving so are their habits. Technology is becoming an integral part of all parts of life and the advancements have made most of the everyday things easier. It is evident that these advancements in the past decade started to change the way we date and find mates making people more available through different apps and websites. It may be hard to assess how much it changed since the transition was steady, but it is evident that the change exists.
Social media
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When it comes to self-promotion, social networks such as Instagram and Snapchat are providing a good glance into someone’s life. They did become so popular in the past ten years, and have passed Facebook that was more popular previously. Even though all of these are providing a glimpse into someone’s personal life, they are not presenting it all.
Nowadays the number of users of social networks is so high, that the number of those who do not have them fall into such a small percentage that it can be considered a statistical error. The availability of data that we leave on the media is very big, and it can provide a substantial amount of information for the ones that might want to date us.
It is common that people begin chatting and messaging one another on social media, and later on, go and set up a date. Also, if there is physical contact and you meet someone in a club, of a coffee shop or at the party you will probably exchange Instagram handles and check one other out over this platform. This is something that was not common before, and you would need to get the info about that someone through the common friends or just get to know them.
Communication
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The way we communicate has changed a lot when compared to the last decade, and as much as we do not want to admit, the vocabulary has been neglected. Some experts say that this is due to our constant need to give as much information as possible through as few words possible since texting is designed to be short and simple. Usage of emoticons and gifs in everyday communication did not help so most of the texting between potential partners is reduced in words and consists of many emoticons, stickers, and gifs.
Even though this is convenient, it has decreased the ability of people having meaningful conversations outside of the virtual setup, so it is no surprise that communication with someone is going great online, but turns into a disaster when live.
I remember that ten years ago, texting was a thing, but talking in person and over the phone was the preferred way of communication. People spent hours and hours on the phone talking to their potential dates or special someone. Nowadays, this has been changed with video calls and sending voice messages.
Fast way of leaving has increased the speed we communicate, and it seems like good old flirting has been reduced to a few compliments and appropriate gifts.
Online dating
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Even though this has started more than a decade ago, it seems like there are a lot more apps and websites that can be used for this purpose. Not only that there is an increase in the number of possible choices, but not the apps are able to use your location and match you with someone in your proximity.
This may seem like a very convenient thing, but it may be strange when compared to the way of dating a few years back.
Not only that this was a game-changer for the straight couples, but this possibility of finding a possible date and increase in the awareness of the same sex dating community has enabled more it comfortable for same-sex couples. If you are a woman searching for a good website or an app for dating women be sure to check out reclaimtheinternet.com.
Online dating has as well provided a chance to date people from different countries and stays in touch with them making long-distance relationships more common and convenient than before.
First date setup and expectations
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When it comes to the first date, due to all the mentioned reasons above, it has become so easy to set it up and go on a date. Before, the first date would require a lot of planning, picking the venue and going out to dinner. Nowadays, dates can happen whenever and wherever. This means that there are a lot of coffee dates that occur during the day. Setting it up is very easy, especially if you are using an app, since the app matches you with someone that is nearby, and you can make contact through the app. Once made setting up a date is just a few sentences away.
The expectations have changed as well; ten years ago a kiss after the first day was not mandatory and being intimate was very uncommon. Now, most people do kiss on the first date, and it is no taboo to be intimate on the first date. This is a big change in comparison to dating ten years ago. The speed of life and increase of self-confidence has led to more intercourses on the first dates. This is followed by one trend that most medical workers find concerning since the incidence of sexually transmitted diseases is on the rise, only due to an increased number of unprotected contacts.
Conclusion
There is a substantial change in the dating world and it will for sure keep on evolving and follow the trends. The vocabulary of people has changed in such a way that there is a decrease in the original words being used and in the number of words as well. Emoticons and gifs, as well as abbreviations, have increased in usage, with the decrease of the conversation skills amongst young. Social media provided a window into people’s lives increased in the number of meets on the platforms. Online apps and websites for dating have increased the possibility of finding a date no matter the orientation. And the first date setup and expectations have changed to follow up this rapid change in the speed of life.
