Modern Love

"I love you." It is common for our culture to hear this statement thousands of times throughout our lifetime. It exists in all different aspects of relationships: family relationships, romantic relationships, friendships, etc. Many times, people confuse lust with love in a romantic relationship. This is because the media and pop culture identify sex and lust with love rather than putting someone’s needs before them because they care about that person. To me, love comes before a person’s appearance as well as any physical attachment in the relationship.

I believe love is a gift. Often times, people have the opportunity to love but do not get the chance because they are concerned with other priorities. In our culture, work is valued over spending time with the people we love. Online dating solves this issue in the romantic arena. Many people who are supposed to start to date or find their soul mate at a specific age are too occupied with their career track. They seek bigger and better things in the career world rather than seeking a love that will prosper naturally. 

The article, “Love at First Click: Is Online Dating For You?” gives an insight to how much dating has changed over the past decade. It illustrates how the value of love is replaced with the value of attractiveness. Pop culture has enabled both males and females to have certain expectations in the dating world. Prior to online dating, people would meet face to face. This face to face interaction has more benefits than screen to screen. A natural spark ignites and love and dating are represented in a more genuine and beautiful way. Love should not cost money or be based on attractiveness. These two aspects are the main focuses of online dating. It is important to be attracted to your partner; however, the looks of two people in the relationship should not be the center of their love. 

The article states, it is "suggested that by 2040 70% of couples will meet online." This sky rocketing percentage is overwhelming because it signifies how the majority of our culture will be too occupied to go out into the real world and date. People do not have the courage or time to go out and seek love which, in my opinion, is pathetic. It does not take a lot to go out one night and spontaneously meet someone. Yes, online dating is useful and exciting, but there is nothing like the rush that comes with meeting someone for the first time face to face. It also personalizes the relationship when you meet someone off screen.

The article also mentions, “paid sites will increasingly focus on those that are looking for serious commitment, while free sites will target the more casual user." This statement demonstrates how these dating websites do not focus on the dating applicants’ best interests unless they are willing to pay money for it. Why waste money when you can waste time to go out and meet someone? These dating websites are in reality a loophole that enables people to become fixated on the excitement that comes with viewing profiles and narrowing it down to the most attractive one. What if they swiped past their soul mate on Tinder? These questions will forever remain unanswered because the media and pop culture has put certain looks, standards, and styles for people who access online dating.