The growing culture of online dating and its impact on our perception of romance

Online dating has been embraced by a range of communities - these websites and apps offer a haven where people can meet kindred spirits. So how has the popularity of virtual matchmaking affected our perception of romance?

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Marginalized older people

Romance is no longer exclusive to the younger generation! If you are middle aged single and previously found it difficult to find someone truly compatible by hanging around in offline venues, whether that's singles bars or social clubs, you'll easily make up for past disappointments by signing up to a digital dating site or app that is designed for mature individuals. These outlets offer a platform where you'll gain instant access to others on the same wavelength and age as you. When you interact with the other members of mature dating site in chat rooms or via direct messages, you'll discover you have so much in common with your fellow site users.

Singles can take far more control of romance

Whatever else you might have heard about online dating services, one thing you should be most aware of is this way they will place you firmly in the driving seat. The whole ethos of online dating is that it puts you in a pole position as you embark on your quest for romance. There are so many ways to interact with other site users, and the rate you proceed is entirely up to you. It might be the case you'd rather just dip into this platform now and again, balancing your digital time with socializing in the real world. On the other hand, perhaps you are eager to take full advantage of the opportunities on offer and would prefer to commit to your chosen dating resource.

Sites cater to so many diverse areas

Many people perceive romance as the typical relationship they might see unfolding in a rom-com on Netflix. But the real world is far more complicated, and online dating reflects the degree of diversity that exists. When you search for dating sites, you'll certainly uncover the usual list of suspects that would fall under the general category 'generic matchmaking.' But dig a little deeper and you'll come across a dizzying array of options. There's an entire stratum of online services catering to the LGBTQ community, not to mention disabled individuals, divorcees or widows, and foreign females from every corner of the globe. When you enter the digital dimension to search for a partner, the only limit is the extent of your imagination.

Romance has become a 24/7 phenomenon

Once upon a time, dates might be arranged from one week to the next. As courtship grew more intense, liaisons might be arranged a few times a week. Online dating culture has instigated a seachange in attitudes, with singles having ready access to messaging services via their hand-held apps. Members of a site or app can hook into their dating account at any time, checking their inboxes for new texts, or reviewing the profile photographs and background information supplied by new starts. You could be flirting with a potential love interest during your morning commute to your office or college.

Kareem Winters

Update 24 July 2021