How is social media affecting dating, and most importantly our lives?

                        By Jayshawn Pickett

Over the years, the term dating has changed drastically. In this day and age more relationships are being started online than in person. We are becoming so reliable on social media and technology to find relationships that we are becoming mentally and physically less active. It is very easy to talk to someone through a technological device and it hardly takes any effort. We are becoming less sociable and are hardly able to hold face to face conversations. If we don’t exercise these socialization muscles then we will be less likely to use them in the future. Face to face conversation is becoming a thing of the past just as speed dating has. Nowadays we are looking to social media and online dating for our lifelong partners. “The internet has opened up a new way of meeting people to those who might not have the time or the opportunity elsewhere”[1]. With a click of a button you can send numerous messages to people within 10 miles of you. This kind of feature has enabled thousands, if not millions to meet the person of their dreams.

You see many online dating sites being advertised on television which is because of the advancement of technology. They realize that people are becoming more reliable on technology and see this as a way to gain income. Instead of trying to encourage people to go out and meet someone, they are wanting us to sit behind computer screens and spend money on sites that barely work. Meeting someone online rather than face to face also raises the chance for you to be sexually assaulted. You never know who is behind the screen that you’re talking to.

 Technology has not only affected adult’s relationships, it has also negatively affected how kids have fun. “Children today have been exposed to more technology than any generation before them. The personal computer is the most modern technological invention that is like a magnet to kids”[2].  Kids nowadays rarely go outside and play which is causing a large percentage of teens and adolescents to be overweight. Instead of giving them a laptop or a tablet for Christmas parents should invest in an outside play set or a basketball which would help them in the long haul. Obesity at an early age can lead to heart disease and even diabetes. Just exercising 30mins a day can prevent these 2 deadly diseases that can lead to death in children.

[1].Telegraph Media Group. "How technology has changed dating." The Telegraph. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/women/sex/7165295/How-technology-has-changed-dating.html (accessed January 31, 2014).

[2]. Rouse, James . "Blame For Teen Obesity." Blame For Teen Obesity. http://www.helpcurechildobesity.com/blame-for-teen-obesity.html (accessed January 31, 2014).