At the risk of sounding like someone’s grandparent telling a nostalgic story, dating looks a whole lot different than it did “back in my day.” Sure, that day was the early 2010s, but it’s still true. Making eyes at the hottie across the bar has slowly been replaced by people holding watered-down cocktails with their heads down, scrolling on their cellphones. Technology didn’t have nearly as much an influence on relationships then as it does now — especially dating apps. Dating apps use mobile technology to introduce single people online. Even as a sex and relationships writer who has used dating apps for most of the past decade, I can admit that they have altered the course of sex and dating for the long haul — and not always in the most positive ways. But what makes dating apps such a hot (and sometimes divisive) topic? And how did they even come about, anyway? The answers just may surprise you.The History of Online DatingIt’s safe to say online dating has become the most common way to meet new partners in the digital age, and dating apps are the core of the industry. These mobile applications travel with us everywhere. They provide an opportunity to swipe, match, and chat on the go. The ease of use and gamified nature of popular dating apps like Tinder and Bumble draw millions of users. But they aren’t without controversy.First, There Were Chat RoomsBefore we dive into the swiping of it all, let’s back up to the very beginnings of what dating apps have become. Prior to the existence of smartphones, computers were stationary and often a staple component of the typical suburban home. During my early shenanigans on the internet, I discovered the wild universe of online chat rooms. Chat rooms are digital spaces where […]
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