More and more aspects of our lives are being impacted by technology. Nowadays it's possible to control your household appliances when you're not even home simply by tapping details into a smartphone, while virtual reality (VR) headwear makes it possible to interact with friends - and partners - without being in the same room. The latter instance is an example of one way technology can be beneficial for relationships. But are innovations always positive? Users from iwantu shared their opinion about the influence of technology on relationships.
How modern technologies have impacted our love lives
The most far-reaching change to relationships caused by technology has undoubtedly been the advent of online dating. In the mid-1990s, web developers had a brainwave. Someone thought of harnessing the power of the Internet to reach potential customers anywhere on the planet, then tap into the basic human need to find love. Since then, the virtual dating industry has become vast, with an annual turnover exceeding $3 billion. So many singles gravitate to using technology to contact potential partners, rather than the traditional socializing outlets of bars or clubs, for so many reasons.
Long Distance Relationships is much easier now
Once upon a time, if you were a single looking for love in an 'offline' setting, you were restricted to the pool of talent who happened to be occupying the same location. At most, you might have chosen to hang out in a popular nightclub where the other singles might run into a few hundred. When you go online, within a few clicks you could be exchanging intimate messages with a limitless array of site users from different cities, countries, or even timezones. These websites employ many methods to allow streamlined communication between members, from texting, emailing, and phone calls to video chats. The previously-mentioned VR tech means you can have vivid encounters even when separated by a considerable distance.
You can fine-tune your search parameters in many different ways, so you would have some control over the type of person you could contact. If your first language is English, then you could tailor your form accordingly, selecting USA, Canada, Ireland, UK, or Australia. On the other hand, it could be that you are keen to confront a language barrier. If you want to learn how to speak Spanish, French, Russian, or whatever, what better tutor could you ask for than an attractive foreign single who will engage you in frank and often flirtatious online chats? Once you've got to know them even better, you might reach the stage where you plan a weekend break or a summer vacation to their country of origin. You would have a personal tour guide waiting at the airport, ready to show you the sights.
Commitment Phobia
It would be important to outline some of the negative impacts of technology. Dating outlets represent such a convenient method of reaching out to a diverse range of prospective partners, it can sometimes create a reluctance to move beyond the virtual environment. While the relaxing atmosphere of the dating site's communication channel is perfect for encouraging intimate chats, something particularly welcomed by shy or marginalized individuals, it can become a comfort zone. The longer that two singles spend exchanging regular messages, the greater the rapport they can develop. But the drawback with this over-reliance on technology is that it can create a climate where the parties might become reluctant to suggest meeting in the real world for fear of 'breaking the spell.' It wouldn't be too unusual for a couple who have created sparks of chemistry during their online discussions to discover they have run out of engaging conversation topics when they hook up for an actual date.
For some singles, the sheer volume of available site users can be akin to the proverbial child locked in a candy store. They find themselves unable to resist the temptation of checking out the latest newcomers. Much as they might be engaging in captivating conversations with someone, they'll be forever posing the question, 'what if there's someone even more interesting and attractive around the corner?'
Has technology killed our ability to have a face-to-face conversation?
The trouble with smart devices is that they can become an addictive piece of hardware we carry around with us. Even as you are enjoying an entertaining date with someone special, there's every chance that pocket gadget will be emitting a steady stream of notifications. Sure, this can impinge on the art of conversation. But it's really up to you the extent to which you allow technology to run your life. It all boils down to a simple choice. Which is more important - checking how many likes your last Instagram post received, or telling your partner what they mean to you?
