We're all aware of the recent phenomena of Tinder, Grindr, Match.com and other means of dating via social media. In fact, it's become so popular that in 50 years' time, we'll be able to tell the grandkids that 'it all started with a friend request'. You know the scenario: it's instigated by a poke, which leads on to an inbox and pretty soon, you're Skyping. But does this robotic means of dating have an impact on the romantic aspect of courtship in modern society?
Whatever happened to the old-school, idealistic image of a stern looking father sitting on his porch, cradling a shotgun in his lap as he claims that no man will ever be good enough? The trial-and-error style of dating seems to have been replaced with a CV-style list of interests and hobbies. I can't help but feel that this selective method of choosing someone to date almost takes away the fun of the unknown, unless you're into that Christian-Grey-Style of almost employing your lover. But I suppose it is much easier to lie about yourself behind a screen in order to seem more appealing. In fact, according to info.gram, a whopping 81% of online daters lie about their age, height or figure. However, despite all of these carefully selected choices, it seems so common that the intentions of your prospective partner is merely sexual. According to the Daily Mail, that's exactly what a lot of these internet daters are looking for: a bit of casual sex. Some even record such encounters on social media platforms. It seems the iconic notches on the bed posts have been replaced with spreadsheets and charts of sexual relations. Despite all of these claims, I can't help but feel that internet dating is somewhat beneficial to the shy, the busy or the lonely. According to a recent survey carried out by the University of Rochester, the amount of couples who found love over the internet increased from 0.2% in 1978 to 23.2% between 2007 and 2009. According to info.gram, 1 in 5 of us now meet our partners online and a shocking 9.1 million Britons are signed up to some form of online dating, disregarding the 100 million times the Tinder app has been downloaded. According to expandedramblings.com, there are 26 million matches made per day on Tinder, amounting from a staggering 1.4 billion daily swipes. With the average tinder user spending an estimated 35 minutes per day scouring the app for fresh meat, it's no wonder the match statistics are so high. In addition to the augmentation of internet dating, a new technology is on the rise, which is set to take over the sex lives of so many. Sex robot brothels are allegedly set to open in the UK, reducing the demand for actual physical contact with another human being. In addition to this, you can now buy remote-controlled sex toys which are perfect for long distance relationships, but again decrease the demand for the real deal. An openness towards sex has been liberating and the rise of internet dating and a selection of toys have been beneficial to couples worldwide, but at what point do we say enough is enough? When does the robotic relationship replace the real thing? Are emotions and romance really on the brink of extinction?
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