Blog 2: New Intimicies in the Media

With the economy in a recession, it is easy to see why people would be less interested in the more traditional ways of going out to meet people, like expensive bars or restaurants. Instead, people are now interested in the convenience of matchmaking services. Surprisingly enough, according to the New York Times, online dating is on the rise.

Due to the downturn in the economy, more people are losing jobs and trying to fill up their free time in the least expensive way possible. Using an online dating service, despite money fees, is still much cheaper than trying to find “the one” for yourself.

Also, because of these troubled times, people are realizing that they do not want to face the economy alone. People now want the comfort of a significant other more than ever, hoping that they will help get them through this recession.

People enjoy online dating sites because they are quick, easy and direct. They do most of the legwork in finding a mate, as well as tailor to the client’s specific interests. It allows the client to say exactly what they want out of a mate, without worry over being judged. For example, according to the New York Times, one match.com client expressed an interest in dating someone who was willing to split the check, another way that online dating helps to save money for their clients.

Although online dating has never been a particularly weak earner, the changes in online dating from before the recession to the present are still quite significant. According to the New York Times, online dating sites are receiving roughly sixty percent more hits since October 2008, and sites like Match.com are having their strongest quarter in over 7 years. They saw a similar spike in earnings during the economic downturn of 2001, and they eventually saw earnings level off.

This article also examines those who are getting to know new people through social networking sites like Facebook. Some claim that one of the benefits of these sites is that the user is focused on getting to know the person, not trying to impress them with wealth. I feel that this argument is flawed because of virtual identity. Although this identity can impact one’s reflexive identity, which can in turn affect one’s ascribed identity, it is still a different person that they are learning about. The way that people present themselves on line is usually 100% their choice and they do not necessarily choose to present themselves accurately.

This shows that even in the most difficult times, technology prevails. Using the most technologically advanced devices, even in leisure, is still important. Even in during the Great Depression, the sale of radios surpassed expectations. However, as online dating did in 2001, I feel that it will level off with economic change.