online dating: progressions through technology and the 21st century relationship

Online Dating: Progressions Through Technology & The 21st Century Relationship

By Lauren A. JohnstonPhoto by ArdinhasaPhotography (Flickr)

Friday, 17 May, 13

Society is in an era that is markedly different from its predecessors because of one strong force:

Photo by Virtual3 (Flickr)

technology.

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Photo by Chapendra (Flickr)

Different technologies, specifically the internet, have changed the ways in which people communicate on a daily basis.

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One of the areas that has been significantly affected by this shift is the realm of online relationships - specifically romantic relationships.

Photo by Michael Gil

(Flickr)

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Photo by JONESING1 (Flickr)

Online dating sites are useful for many because they ease some discomfort in dating. It is often less intimidating to message someone online rather than approach them in person.

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Photo by Craig. (Flickr)

The goal for most users is to find a long-term relationship as opposed to more casual forms of dating. But, there are specific websites catered to this as well.

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Crafting an online profile has become an

artform in itself.

For most, there is an ample amount of detail put into creating these profiles.

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The internet allows people to quickly and conveniently communicate with thousands of people worldwide with similar hobbies, interests and personalities.

Photo by Charley Lhasa (Flickr)

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Within a few clicks, a person can broaden or narrow potential matches based on whichever criteria they decide are important to them.

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Photo by DENISE T. (FLICKR)

This allows the ‘dating process’ to accelerate. The user determines which attributes they want in a partner, and then get a broad overview of the person on a profile.

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Like a résumé, the online dating profile is often an ‘amped up’ abstract of the potential partner. Users highlight their best features in order to attract others.

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This translates into more than just words in text boxes - a profile picture is arguably more important, as it is the first impression that other users have of the person. Photo by Akane Kinomoto (Flickr)

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Studies show that most people expect photographs of potential partners to be authentic because of the anticipated face-to-face interaction...

Photo by Susan Sermoneta

(Flickr)Friday, 17 May, 13

... but there is also evidence that users recognize that photographs can be ‘self-enhancing’ and editable.

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Source: Hancock & Toma, 2009

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Impression management is crucial. Putting their best face (or profile) forward could be the difference between a sparse or full inbox, and maximizing outcomes (dates) is usually the goal.

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Strong relationships are built on communication and trust.

Photo by Thomas Leuthard (Flickr)

People desire to feel understood and cared for by romantic partners - so, how does this come into play online?

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There are sufficient challenges that take place in online relationships, especially those over long distances.

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Depending on the distance and how often the couple meets up, there is a lack of intimacy and ‘genuine’ face-to-face contact.

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But, messages exchanged online gradually escalate over time when participants have built a strong enough bond, the type of technology used can change.

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The shift from dating site to main social networking site demonstrates a sense of progression in the relationship where the user allows the (potential) partner to be integrated into the user ’s exterior social network.

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Photo by mervi eskelinen (flickr)

The interactions may be relocated to email conversations, and eventually friending on personal social networking accounts - like a Facebook profile that the user uses to speak to friends and family.

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Videochat platforms such as Skype and FaceTime allow for more intimate conversations in the online world - complete with voice and facial expression.

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These technologies make the distance between many online relationships smaller.

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Some say that e-relationships provide for a deeper and more emotional relationship than offline ones.

Photo by Kevin Dooley (Flickr)

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Photo by Derriel Street Photography (Flickr)

“An estimated 30 to 40 million North Americans now use

online dating sites...

... we will reach a point where people don’t distinguish between meeting online and off line... we won’t refer to online dating, it will

just be dating.” - Dan Slater

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Photo by Viktor Hertz (Flickr)

Source: Anson Alexander

52% of online daters are men,

48% women.

Online dating is a $1 Billion business, with the average user spending about $239 a year on online dating.

Source: Anson Alexander

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But, if the goal for online (long distance) relationships is to end in marriage or at least have a long-term duration, the odds are in

the couple’s favour.

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The internet has made it possible for thousands of couples to start relationships worldwide, while ‘decreasing the distance’ for long-distance couples, whether the relationship started online or off.

Photo by Ken Bosma (Flickr)

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Although they may begin in a virtual world, these relationships are becoming more socially acceptable

and a key method in which people meet romantic partners.

Whether long-term or short, the internet and the various stems of technology have undeniably changed the face of dating in the

21st century...

Photo by Tristan Schnurr (Flickr)

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The Following Articles were used for statistics, information and inspiration for this presentation:

- http://www2.macleans.ca/2013/01/30/true-loves/ (quotes taken from Dan Slater in this article)

- http://ansonalex.com/infographics/statistics-for-online-dating-in-2013-infographic/ (Anson Alexander)

- http://faculty.unlv.edu/drums/pioneer/files/JOUR%20435%20635/photosonlinedating.pdf (Hancock & Toma, 2009)

All photos in this presentation were used under a Creative Commons License and sourced from Flickr.

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