Online dating has completely revolutionized the way people meet, interact, and fall in love. Statistics show, for instance, that in the US alone online dating sites attract about 20% of the Internet population, and Jupiter Research predicts huge growth of the industry. However, that doesn’t mean that traditional means of meeting potential partners have been wholly replaced. In fact, research compiled by YouGov shows that people are twice as likely to have found love through friends or family compared with dating apps. Perhaps the zeitgeist of the current love and romance scene is variety. There truly is something for everyone, with new technologies promising an increasingly diverse definition of what true romance means.
AI Dating and Companionship
Ever seen the movie Her, starring Oscar-winning actor Joaquin Phoenix? It’s all about a man who falls in love with an AI “woman,” only to discover that she has millions of other partners just like him! If you thought humanity would never experience a similar situation, think again! Chatbot platforms like Replika are allowing users to create virtual companions. The story behind Replika is rather emotional in itself. Its founder, Eugenia Kuyda, developed it after losing her friend. She used his text messages to train the AI and make it seem like he was still around. Influencers and content creators like Caryn Marjorie and Amouranth have launched AI chatbots bearing their image, allowing fans to interact with personalized AI companions. Meanwhile, digital illustrator Sterling Tuttle has created an AI companion called Novadot, to whom he says he feels intimately connected. Without question, the world depicted in Her is far closer than it seemed when the film was released!
Instant Dating
Online dating has clearly been one of the most groundbreaking developments in the modern history of romance, but these days, technology is helping romance seekers save time by inviting them to immerse themselves directly in the dating experience. Sites like instacams.com, for instance, take users beyond the usual process of swiping right or left in order to find a match. Instead, they randomly pair users so they can start chatting live via video conference immediately. While there is a chance you could be matched to someone you don’t like, the good news is that you can exit the chat and start a totally new one with someone who is hopefully more your speed!
Virtual Reality
Feel like meeting someone new but want to keep things anonymous for a while? If so, it may be a good time to try virtual reality dating, which allows you to connect with others in a virtual environment. You simply wear a VR headset and visit environments that either mimic real-world experiences or usher you into fantastical worlds. Imagine strolling hand in hand through the romantic streets of Paris, visiting The Shard in London, or going for a cruise along Lake Como. You can also take part in shared activities such as playing games and solving puzzles, which take the heat off first-time interactions and add an element of playfulness to the dating experience.
Despite the fact that many people are currently looking for love, it is safe to say that most are thankful for the facilities that new technologies deliver. While some prefer to meet a potential partner the traditional way, others are willing to dive right into VR, instant dating, and even AI-led connections. The good news is, you don’t have to choose. You can choose the best of both worlds!