Social media and hookup culture has created a new norm in dating

Deja Davis

Managing Editor

There is something about finding that special person. All of the romantic gestures and traditional long-lasting relationships that we see in movies is rather dreamy, but realistically is rare to see.

Dating has always been complicated, but now it is on a whole new level. With so many “rules” and tips that have been created over the years surprisingly it seems as though no one wants to commit anymore, and it continues to be an ongoing challenge.

From wanting the perfect person, not wanting to be serious, commitment issues and becoming technology obsessed, it can go all types of different ways, but the question is what exactly is modern day dating?

We are in a unique moment in dating right now. It is unpredictable and most of the time comes with misleading situations.

The development of social media, hookup culture, and how to arrange the exclusivity of relationships have changed so much over the years.

Online dating and meeting someone using social media are the top two common ways of dating. The most popular dating app is Tinder, followed by the apps Plenty of Fish and Bumble, according to statista.com.

According to eHarmony, there are 40 million Americans that use online dating websites and today 27 percent of young adults report using dating sites, which is up 10 percent from 2013. Men make up 52.4 percent of online dating users compared to 47.6 percent who are women.

That is only one half of modern dating but here are a couple reasons why dating during this time is exhausting and difficult.

Judging from looks. This is usually the first don’t do. Modern dating starts with the internet and the first thing that people notice is a profile picture which leads to physical attraction and sometimes no real connection.

Over-expectation simply because everyone wants to click instantly. There is no time to get to know one another and being too impatient builds up expectations as to what people want to see in the other person, but may not get.

Short-lasting because by the time people make it to the relationship stage, the excitement has decreased making it temporary.

Irritation, lack of trust, and misunderstandings cause people to give up early before that spark even develops.

Rayonna Swain, a senior biology/pre-medicine major from Atlanta, Ga., expressed why she feels that today’s dating is not as genuine as generations before us.

“The social media trend has degraded the true values of a solid relationship. Everyone is concerned about what others may think or observe them. I wouldn’t consider online dating it’s too risky. I do believe that I will find true love one day and be able to experience the benefits of it,” said Swain.

Clement Gibson, a Jackson State alum from Minneapolis, Minn., said, “I think dating in today’s time is sped up. We see a lot on social media and want to replicate the lives of others. It can be serious if the two people are serious. Regardless of the generation, they’ll drive the relationship.

Gibson continued, “Personally, I’m not a fan of online dating. I don’t have a problem with anyone finding love that way, but I can’t see myself dating online. I am a big believer in everything happens for a reason and the process seems a bit forced. I prefer a natural, in-person connection.”

As you can see love is of choice. It is all about what you want for yourself and what you are willing to accept.