Affairs of the heart, romances, and hookups are a complicated business and always have been. But in recent years, technology has sought to provide us with tools and different ways to make it easier. In an increasingly digitised world where everything we do is also available to do online, it makes sense to put dating into the digital stratosphere as well. From dating apps to video calls and revealing dishonest partners, technology has helped revolutionize our interpersonal relationships.
Long-distance relationships
Many moons ago, having a long-distance relationship was incredibly hard. Letters could take days, weeks, or even months to get to the recipient, not to mention those that got lost in the post. As time went on, it was possible to stay in touch via telephone but this didn’t solve the problem of not being able to see the one you love.
Thanks to the Internet and, in particular, video messaging and calling, many such obstacles have been removed. Lovers can speak to each other in real-time, from wherever they are, whenever they want, as long as they have an Internet connection. While the connection is not tangible, being able to see and hear each other provides comfort to millions.
Online dating
Online dating was once considered un-cool and those that took part in it were ridiculed. But times have changed and online dating is the way in which many find their short or long-term partners. But it can be challenging. Via mobile, figuring out how to interact with each other is hampered due to a lack of body language and visual cues. Many struggle with online dating conversation starters because with so many potential partners, they want to make an impact. But there are plenty of pointers out there to help you along the way, such as good opening lines or the suggestion that you use open questions.
Once the conversation is flowing, users then decide whether they are interested in pursuing it or not. Online dating also makes it easier to withdraw from getting to know someone without the awkwardness of doing it face-to-face. It makes it a lot easier to sort the wheat from the chaff and figure out who you want to go on a date with.
Dating via apps is now the main way people meet romantic partners, and the majority of the single population has at least used them once or twice.
Uncovering infidelity
Technology is also being used in various ways to detect cheating partners. There are a number of apps that ‘spy’ on others. These are installed on the device and report back to another individual on messages, calls, and locations. While these are morally and ethically dubious, to say the least, many have uncovered betrayal in this way. Apps that track the movements of family members are also increasingly used for this purpose as well as for keeping tabs on children.
There are other cases whereby cloud accounts such as Google and iOS can be used to track the activity and movements of an individual. Again, this is not necessarily the right thing to do, but in today’s digital world, it’s possible.
The future
These are just some of the ways technology is changing the face of the romance sector. But there are other technological inventions that are slowly making their way into the mainstream. Take, for example, virtual reality. This can take online dating and long-distance relationships a step further by allowing people to go on dates in completely virtual and digital environments. Artificial intelligence is also being gradually rolled out to help improve matches and to personalise dating apps. While it may take a bit longer for these to become commonplace, they are a good indicator of the way things are going.
The future is already upon us and day-by-day, technology is infiltrating our love lives and interpersonal relationships to enhance, make more convenient, and in some cases, help us uncover the truth!
