The extent to which dating has been changed by modern technology can be summarized by statistics. Over one-third of adults have signed up to a digital dating resource at some point, with almost a quarter of these online relationships culminating in marriage. More and more people are taking advantage of matchmaking technology, downloading apps to their mobile phones, getting involved in chat rooms, and sending direct messages to other singles. Here are some of the many ways advances in tech have altered the way people date in the 21st century.
Communities for the marginalized
Not so long ago, LGBT people felt they were denied the same wide choice of socializing outlets as their straight counterparts. But technology has introduced a raft of new opportunities. There are increasing numbers of sites exclusively for those identifying as lesbian or gay, bisexual or transsexual. For example, women seeking women can sign up to a variety of sites, getting involved in lesbian web chat, interacting with others on the same wavelength. These outlets have been especially welcomed by individuals who have been grappling with their sexuality, but have found a haven where they can be themselves, in a relaxing environment where they’re never judged.
Genre-based services
Technology has allowed the design and development of an intricate range of dating outlets. Sites can now cater to every possible facet of taste or background, from bondage to fetishism, polyamorous relationships to interracial romance. Gone are the days when ‘vanilla’ dating was the norm. If you have a particular ‘niche’ proclivity, when you pop this into your search you are guaranteed to across a community of like-minded individuals who are eager to connect.
Location services
Technology has been particularly influential on the casual end of the dating market. When newcomers join a web service, one of the basic questions they will be asked is where they live. This information will be stored in a database, allowing the creation of a ‘virtual map’ pinpointing their whereabouts in relation to others. Members can then be presented with a shortlist of those other singles within a five-mile radius, and so on. But this can become even more sophisticated. With the advent of smart technology tracking your presence based on your phone signal, some dating sites can pinpoint the exact position someone happens to be in, allowing instant connections to be made between consenting partners.
Compatibility
Just as ‘no string attached’ encounters can be easily catered for by the tap of a few buttons, the same flexibility can be harnessed by websites focusing on longer-term relationships. Algorithms will ingather the information you provide during registration, allowing you to be matched with those site members who have stated similar preferences.
Communication enhancements
If the earliest versions of dating sites allowed members to pop hopeful messages into someone else’s inbox, nowadays people can interact in so many different ways. You can drop texts, emails, join WhatsApps groups, or make phone calls. You can share images or videos, or get involved in video chats. Particularly where the latter technology is concerned, couples can now maintain the strength of their relationship, even when they are separated by distance. Dating has never been more 24/7.
Virtual reality (VR)
Computer gamers have long been used to utilizing VR to become immersed in a three-dimensional world, and the same technology is increasingly available with dating sites. By donning special headsets, users can ‘meet’ avatar versions of each other without even leaving home. Introduce sensory hardware into the equation, where people can stimulate each other remotely, then you have all the ingredients of an immersive dating experience, right at your fingertips.
