Boom Box vs. Blackberry

Technology has really killed dating, I‘d like to blame men here because that would be really easy but I think the real answer is technology. It is very reminiscent of a song we all know and love “video killed the radio star” and isn’t it true!

Let’s think back to when we were all a little bit younger and maybe in the dating world a bit more respectful of each other….Scooby Doo moment please!

We didn’t have cell phones or caller ID, there was a real risk of someone not answering the phone and if they didn’t answer we didn’t freak out and assume they were screening our calls. The understanding was that they were not at home and we went on with our lives and called back later.

There were absolutely no text conversations, while these convos are handy and helpful when you’re stuck on the el or in a movie they really have no place when you want a girl to feel special. And ultimately if you want to date her shouldn’t that be some part of your goal?

Oh my gosh instant messaging programs like AIM , the original downfall in college and now gchat! It is so easy to flirt and talk and go really deep with a person without being intentional. There is no risk of looking a person in the eye and saying what you feel, or revealing part of your heart. Why not hide behind the screen and keyboard; it’s easy and safe right?

The problem with all of this technology is that while it is easy to start a conversation, it is also very easy to get confused. Nobody really feels special when they get asked out over facebook or by text message. And with so much communication without actual words, meaning can get very confused. Is he flirting or is he just making a joke that is seen as flirting because he’s cute…what in the world is going on?

And now my favorite memory from dating years prior to this technology craze…a guy tossing little pebbles at your window or shoes or whatever was handy hoping you’d hear him! And of course the boom box serenades!!! Where in the world has the creativity gone! It seems like the sparkle and romance of dating is completely stripped away when it comes down to the “ping” of your blackberry alerting you that there is potential suitor waiting…