Today’s’ world is contingent upon the use of the internet and mobile phone technology, and every personal and impersonal task is carried out with the help of this technology. While connectivity between people has decreased and they have come closer to one another with mobile phones, it has also opened up to people, various other ways of connecting to each other and using internet services. One of the most common and popular uses of mobile phones and speedy internet is that of online dating. Although, online dating is not a new phenomenon and people have been using it to find dates since decades now, the newest addition to this is applications on mobiles such as Tinder and Grindr, which have had a fan following of millions of users within a few years of their advent. The result of such dating apps on mobiles has increased and diversified the options that people have for choosing a date as well as the giving them a right to judge a person by their given profile. While, on the one hand, people have benefitted from such apps by actually finding the right match in some cases, they have also been exposed to various problems such as allowing young people to indulge in risky and careless behaviors offline. There are various social problems that have arisen because of using such apps. Moreover, the temporary nature of such applications and its changing modes has made these applications a hot trend amongst the youth of the country.
It is definitely not easy to solve the problem of using online dating apps like Tinder or Grindr for choosing one’s partner or partners. This is largely because of the fact that the popularity of these applications amongst millions of people all over the world, not just in Australia, has made it impossible to curb it. The rising trend of using these online dating apps is just as high as suing Facebook, Twitter or Instagram or any other social media platform. An average Tinder user will spend about 2 hours using the application in one day which means not only is the application popular; it is also very addictive (Miksche, 2016).
There are several reasons why people turn to apps like these instead of the traditional methods of dating other people. Firstly, it is the shift in societal thought, mindset and the belief that it is fine for people to seek other people according to their choice and freedom to choose is a basic right of every person (Gersho, n.d). Moreover, lifestyle has a major role to play as to why people seek dates online. Nowadays, individuals are so busy with their jobs, working two or three jobs a day at times, that they hardly have the time to go out and meet others at public places and have a conversation with others (Gersho, n.d). Time restraint has led to a lack of real-time connectivity amongst individuals which is why the easier option seems like making an account on a dating site or app and let the world communicate with the person at the same time they are working or lying on their couch at home (Gersho, n.d). Moreover, another factor is loneliness. Sometimes, individuals cannot find the right person. Hence they seek refuge in using such apps to find another, even for a temporary relationship; however, they only wish to fill an emotional void (Miksche, 2016). Yet the most significant factor is that casual relationships with others are no longer derogatory, and they are seen as something common and doable in the present day. This attitude leads to the promotion of such online dating apps (Gersho, n.d).
There are a few solutions to this issue such as realizing the threats of such dating apps like meeting a person with a criminal background and ending up damaged or in danger. This can be done by spreading awareness amongst individuals (Miksche, 2016). The youth needs to be told that casual relationships are not all right especially on online platforms because a young person cannot be sure of whom they are interacting with. The danger of catching STDs through intercourse with an unknown person is the worst threat that can be given to a juvenile mind. Thirdly, even if a person thinks it is very hard to find a match for themselves, then they need to take help from their family and friends and ask them to arrange a blind date for them or refer them to anyone else seeking a match (Miksche, 2016).
The best solution to the problem is to allow one’s family and friends to step in and help solve the problem for them. One’s closest family members are aware of their likes and dislikes and what person would be best suited for them. Hence, they are the best alternatives to online dating as they can decide whether the two people cohabitating are suitable for one another or will the relationship be just another casual affair. According to Manning, Cohen, and Smock, today lesser and lesser people are lasting in longer relations after cohabitating. However, when they allow their family and friends to interfere, their relationships are more stable and closely developed. This is better for their psychological well-being (Manning, Cohen, and Smock, 2011). Also stated by Finkel et al., online dating is something which does not have promise compatibility and effective romance after dating because the romanticism is linked to being on a site and seeing others, but actual attachment dissipates in reality (Finkel et al., 2012).
A social innovation spread by this statement of making the youth realize the futility of online dating would make people become more realistic about their expectations from others and to not fall for apparent looks and stated material. Therefore, they will turn to meeting other people and falling for their inner goodness rather than just a pretty face or impressive bio-data. The trending superficiality and use of techniques to enhance one’s outer looks are disastrous for people. Thus it will change with the realization of the problems caused by such stated online dating apps (Miksche, 2016). Social media connects billions of people with one another hence one good message spread in one part of the world reaches the other in about a second after being posted (Gersho, n.d). Hence, it can cause people to make videos, post pictures and influential and moving messages about what is important in life and what needs to be done for the betterment of society which will ultimately provoke people’s thoughts and force them into action. Causes spread like wildfire on social media . Hence, it can be a useful factor in inducing social change.
Bibliography
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Psychological Science. Available at: http://www3.nd.edu/~ghaeffel/OnineDating_Aron.pdf (Accessed: 24 August 2016).
Gersho, B. (n.d). Online dating works for many, but there are alternatives!: Dr. Brian Gersho.
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Manning, W.D., Cohen, J.A. and Smock, P.J. (2011) ‘The role of romantic partners, family and
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Miksche, M. (2016) Grindr, tinder, scruff: A recipe for loneliness. Available at:
http://www.advocate.com/current-issue/2016/5/05/grindr-tinder-scruff-recipe-loneliness (Accessed: 24 August 2016).
