The Evolution of Dating
In the 1700’s dating was called courtship- typically the time before engagement and marriage. A couple’s union was usually arranged by the parents- for social or political reasons. Dates were often overseen by a mother.
In the 1920s, the idea of courting died down and people started going on dates without the focus of a long-term commitment. Dancing was a social activity enjoyed by couples, and without their parents. However, couples often went on dates in big groups. The age of marriage went from the teens to the late teens and early twenties.
The 1960s-1970s showed an increase in sexual freedom. The feminist movement delayed marriage and dates became casual, shorter encounters. Men and women assumed more individual responsibility, such as initiating dates and paying for dates.
Online dating became prevalent in the 90’s. It was the ‘new age way’ to meet singles.
So what is dating like in the year 2014? I believe that for many college students, dating has become a lot more informal. The advancements of technology have definitely played a part in this. Couples will meet at parties, on Facebook, a dating app, or perhaps another social app such as Instagram. Men don’t formally ask a girl out to dinner and a movie. Often, a quick text is sent off to see what the other’s plans are. Girls don’t wait by the phone for the guy to call. Instead, they go on Facebook, stalk all his pictures, his friends, and any girls that he might have previously seen. Relationships now are very much based on technology. You keep in constant communication with your significant other by texting or messaging. You post pictures to social media often. Relationships can also end via technology. A Facebook post, Tweet, or text message can make the process easier, but also harsher. Is is possible that the ability to so easily communicate has made people fast forward a relationship? Instead of going on dates over a month before making it official, couples can go on multiple dates in a single week. Technology has affected face-to-face relationships, but how has it revolutionized other types of dating?
Online dating started in the 90’s and has grown ever since. In the last year, 17% of couples who are married met on a dating site. One in five singles have dated someone they met on a dating site. And one in five singles are currently in a committed relationship with someone they met on a dating site. Online dating started as a last resort option for desperate singles. In 2005 most Americans had a negative image of online dating. However, since then, it has lost its stigma. In 2013, 59% of Americans said that online dating was a good way to meet people. One in ten Americans have used an online dating site or mobile dating app. Online dating has become a more accepted form of dating. I have no doubt that FtF relationships and CMC relationships will continue to evolve and change with technology.
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