CONCLUSION
As society progresses and technological advancements increase, the world as we know it and all of its people will adapt and evolve. Change is inevitable. Societal norms, personal attitudes, popular culture, and most importantly, the dating culture will continue to adapt and evolve. In earlier years, when gender roles were straightforward and the current and future stances of relationships were crystal clear, the dating culture embodied traditional methods of courtship. These so-called old-fashioned dating methods held men, privacy, chivalry, the submissive nature of women, and relationship limitations and boundaries at its core. Moreover, during the Old Era of dating, relationships were black or white. Couples were either “together” or “not together” and individuals were either “single” or “taken.” These values and relationship principles, although not necessarily entirely gone, have been overshadowed by more modern methods of dating as a result of changing personal priorities, a societal attitude embodying freedom, and the advancement of technology. In the modern era of dating, there are numerous gray areas that exist between “couples.” Powered by a society and culture that embodies freedom, modern day relationships can look however they want, as long as both parties agree. Unfortunately, this freedom to expand the boundaries of modern day relationships and create individual rules and expectations comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
With more men and women prioritizing their personal aspirations, goals, dreams, and priorities, which often revolve around an education and a career, less focus is being put on finding a lifelong partner, getting married, and starting a family, and that’s perfectly acceptable. These changing personal priorities are simply a result of the evolving society. The new personal priorities have led to a hookup culture, which both emboldens and discourages individuals who are simply trying to navigate through the new dating culture. The hookup culture, although often referred to negatively, emphasizes the importance of prioritizing personal needs, and it can often serve as a transformative learning experience regarding oneself as well as others.
With the ease of technology, social media and online dating apps have allowed individuals to meet and interact with individuals they would have never otherwise encountered, but they also risk putting their energy and attention into someone they truly don’t know or someone that will end up disappearing. These risks, although different from earlier risks in regards to dating, are apart of the natural risks and uncertainties of life when it comes to meeting new people and searching for a romantic partner.
The changing personal priorities and societal attitudes to dating have also impacted modern day marriages, and unfortunately, divorce. Like with other great milestones and important life events, regardless of whether couples end up with their own story of happily ever after or not, the lessons learned from marrying impulsively, a failed relationship, and a divorce are painful yet transformative learning experiences. Similarly, with infidelity and affairs, these painful experiences can lead to powerful moments of growth that have the capacity to reveal more about the relationship itself as well as deeper sides of the individuals in the relationships.
Although the COVID-19 pandemic caused massive life changes for all individuals, relationships, and families across the nation, the required lockdowns and stay at home orders provided relationships with something that is often hard to find: time. With this extra time, many couples were able to analyze their relationship and uncover previously hidden issues. The pandemic ultimately resulted in the demise of some relationships yet the salvation of others. In addition, the isolation and free time granted by the pandemic allowed many individuals to take time, evaluate their lives, and truly consider what they want out of their future relationships, once again emphasizing the importance of taking control and prioritizing personal priorities. Going forward as restrictions are limited and post-pandemic life begins, researchers expect another transition period for couples and relationships, as they shift to find new normal routines. Again, partners will have to find a balance, rearrange priorities, and continue putting time, energy, and effort into their relationships.
