New Era: Romance Still Lives Here

After reading Amusing Ourselves and watching The Social Network I think it is pretty obvious that our use of technology can have a negative effect.  We have ventured away from hand written and face to face to a way of communicating that can have no name and no face which makes people feel less vulnerable even if they do choose to put a name on their postings on social media.  That lack of vulnerability has both a negative and positive effect.  The negative effect shown in The Social Network is the bullying that can occur because the instigator feels there is no way to have repercussions against them when it's posted online and not face to face.  Mark feels no threat of consequences when naming a girl and posting negative things about her on his page on the internet.  He then proceeds to set up a page that sets up girls in a "which on is better looking" website on campus.  It's a real wonder why women have so many insecurities when we are being evaluated by how we look on such a physical basis.  With that being said, I feel that electronic social networking has actually improved forms of personal intimacy.  People who are best friends can be in close contact without even being in the same state or country.  I think it mostly has effected relationships for people who have had a lot of relationship struggles.  When people are hurt in their life they can be hesitant to think they will ever be able to be happy again or find someone who has similar interests, similar lifestyles, and similar goals in life.  Dating websites have come a long way and I think they have opened up the door for people who don't have the confidence in the dating world and who feel like no one they meet is ready for what they are offering.  This way people can be matched based on what they both want rather than that person having to struggle through the dating world.  I think this actually makes for many more successful marriages and partnerships.  People meet people and like them despite their differing end goals where this way you can get to know and like someone who you already know wants the same end goal you do.