How has mobile technology revolutionized the dating world?

What essentially started as an electronic version of those "lonely hearts" columns in newspapers and magazines has transformed into a multi-billion dollar industry, attracting tens of millions of devotees in every continent. Each dating site is driven by innovations, but the advent of mobile technology has had a particular impact. Just as more people are now choosing to access the Internet via handheld devices over desktop computers, so the dating world has succumbed to the allure of the downloadable app.

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Geolocation innovations

According to online dating experts from loveonside, one of the most revolutionary aspects of digital dating has been the introduction of geolocation technology. A fundamental step involved when signing up to any site involves inputting your location, enabling the technology built into a dating app to pinpoint anyone"s proximity to their fellow site users. This can allow people seeking instant connections to discover suitable candidates for encounters based on whoever happens to be nearby. Just as the satnav in your car will steer you towards your destination, your mobile phone can direct you towards compatible partners immediately.

Dating apps straight from your app store

Once upon a time, singles interacting with kindred spirits via the Internet could only really do so via desktop technology. There was occasionally a clandestine nature about this form of interaction, with some feeling a lingering stigma resorting to searching for partners in this way.

But dating technology has advanced to the extent that it has become mainstream, with everyone from friends and workmates to celebrities openly discussing using dating outlets. Because the technology has evolved in tandem with the evolution of smartphones, apps can now be freely downloaded from Google or Apple stores, and can be integrated into the home screen of hand-held devices, allowing access to the dating world 24/7.

Increased functionality

Just as desktop versions of dating outlets are constantly being revamped in terms of the range of capabilities they can offer clients, apps are refined to mirror their desktop equivalents. Code developers will ensure all the components available to computer users will be rolled out to the app versions. Apps of every description are being increasingly designed with handheld devices in mind, making for user-friendly faces for mobile dating sites.

Greater communication

Mobile phones were developed as a portable version of landlines, primarily designed to allow people to indulge in conversations while on the go. Dating apps are taking advantage of a vast range of technologies to allow seamless communication. Even where partners are separated by distance, they can take advantage of online connectivity in a variety of ways.

Mobile phones allow communication at any time of day, no matter where the subjects happen to be. Video chatting adds an extra element of realism to these encounters, adding a whole new dimension to the concept of phone sex!

Distractions impeding the course of relationships

All these positives need to be tempered by mentioning the more detrimental aspects of technology. Because people are now immersed in a world where they have constant access to social media within the click of a few buttons, there can be a temptation to over-indulge.

Individuals on dates can be driven to distraction by partners constantly referring to the notifications bleeping on their mobile device. Of course, the human solution to this problem is simply to agree to put phones to one side during actual face-to-face encounters. Technology might be revolutionary for dating, but it will never replace human interaction when it comes to building a rapport.

Isabella Humphrey

Update 06 December 2020