DSL Dating
By Maya Pope-Chappell
Photo by Unknown
Are the days of dating really over? New York Times columnist Charles M. Blow says it is.
In the article titled “The Demise of Dating,” Blow writes:
“Under the old model, you dated a few times and, if you really liked the person, you might consider having sex. Under the new model, you hook up a few times and, if you really like the person, you might consider going on a date.”
While Blow raises a good argument, one that I agree with, he doesn’t really address the why. Why is “hooking up” more prevalent than it was in years past? Although he offers a quick explanation at the end, I would like to offer my two cents.
I think the answer lies partly in technological advances.
As technology grows, so does the distance between people. Nowadays, people are less connected in ways they weren’t before. Love letters have been replaced with emails, Post-its with text messages, and phone conversations are nearly obsolete. Done are the days when relationships based on courtship and compatibility ruled.
Like DSL and Wi-Fi, we want a quick and instant connection; a connection that results in instant gratification with little work, time, or effort.
Which brings me to the concept of “hooking-up”. Instead of wasting time getting to know one another, many rather cut to the chase and figure the rest out later. This often leads to emotional detachment, hurt feelings, and unrealistic expectations.
How’s that for an instant message.