The Influence of Social Media and online dating on Modern Romantic Relationships

A generation ago, singles were still getting acquainted during nights out, being introduced by mutual friends, or were arranging dates based on adverts appearing in ‘lonely hearts’ columns. In the mid-1990s, dating sites became a thing, with social networking following a few years later. So how have modern romantic relationships been impacted by these digital outlets? To use the word immensely somehow seems inadequate. Today’s relationships have been utterly transformed by digital technology. Here we look into the influences of these innovations.Introducing long-forgotten acquaintancesSocial media and online dating can open a door into a world of possibilities. As well as being introduced to new acquaintances, you can find yourself poring over faces you’d long forgotten about. This aspect of the online world has been embraced by middle age, singles seeking a partner. They might have reached a stage in their lives where they have been divorced or bereaved, but are keen to move on to the next phase. By signing up to a senior dating site they can kick-start their interest in romantic relationships, using the features to meet kindred spirits. Widening your social circleThe clue is in the title. Social media, by its very nature, is all about social networking, and developing circles of friends to touch base with. All sorts of algorithms – computer programs – come into play that can help you search for people sharing the same interests. So when you reach out to certain individuals regularly through a social media platform, this software will anticipate the type of common interests you might share or friends of friends who could be a good fit to be added to your network. The same functionality operates in dating resources. The moment you register a website or app, algorithms will begin analyzing the key elements of your application form or profile page and compare these with existing site users. Matches will be suggested instantly, allowing relationships to be set in motion in no time.Satisfying every demandBefore the digital age, people with specific tastes were often restricted in the places they could hang out with those sharing these. With the advent of the Internet and search engine, you can track down a website catering for anything you could imagine. This has become invaluable for individuals with what might be described as a ‘non-mainstream’ interest in relationships. And all of these diverse and inclusive outlets can be accessed within a few keystrokes.Secure communication channelsThe enhanced communication techniques available within websites has provided seamless ways of touching base. You can choose from a variety of methods for interacting, depending on whether you feel more comfortable texting, emailing, joining WhatsApp groups, phoning, video chatting; or even, in increasing numbers of websites, via virtual reality technology! These facilities all make it so much easier to maintain channels of communication with partners. People can be contacted 24/7, allowing modern relationships to flourish.-