"We Met Online"

The increasingly common answer for how couples met. Online dating has been around for a decade now, but only now are we openly embracing it.

The stigma has been washed away by the sea of new apps. Technology now directly impacts our relationships, whether you admit it or not. With most people spending the majority of their day online, is it any wonder we’re using that time productively to find our future Mr/Mrs Right? 

But if you think ‘poking’ someone or writing a cryptic tweet is the way to do it, think again. We now live in a world of instant gratification, taking our time is something we apparently don’t do anymore.

Take Tinder, the dating app where you simply swipe left for no, or right for yes. A ruthless, but quick, process of elimination.  Suddenly the realisation hits that choosing THOSE profile pictures could have just cost you your first date. 

All of my single friends were quick to sign up. Being obsessed with social and new apps, but in a relationship; I couldn’t help but feel I was missing out. Online dating just got cool, and singletons had joined the hottest members club.

With over five million users, and reports of Tinder weddings, it seems this fast paced, social dating scene is a success.

How we connect has changed. Yes, it can be superficial. Judging someone’s profile picture, “checking in” on that romantic dinner or Instagramming flowers from your boyfriend. It’s funny how you never receive a Snapchat during the latest argument. And let’s be honest, that selfie you took the other day wasn’t for you. 

We’re all guilty of self-promoting ourselves online for other’s appreciation. #noshame #firstworldproblems. 

With one friend married from online dating, another in a new relationship from Tinder, and the fact I’m a hopeless romantic…online interaction can enhance people’s lives for the better. It just means those stories you tell the grandchildren about how you met will now feature dating apps, rather than meeting at the local youth club.