Where would we be without technology? No computers, no TV, no cell phones and the worst, no internet! OMG, I don’t even want to think it! I must’ve been tripping there a moment; momentary panic attack. Just playing! So anyway, with technology taking over, black dating and finding “love” has obviously changed forever too – some changes for the good, and some, umm, not so good!

Technology For Dating

THE GOOD

• Online Dating

You’ve gotta dig online dating! Okay so there are those horror stories we’ve heard but hell, nothing’s perfect. I think it’s a fly  way to meet new black singles from across the country, especially when we’re so busy trying to keep our stuff together.

• Long Distance Love

If your honey is miles away, I bet you’re praising the lord for technology. Talking on the phone can be expensive so you’ve got Skype and Google Talk. You’ve also got email, text messaging, IM, video calls and VoIP. Beats snail mail and expensive phone bills any day!

• The Geek’s Answer to Romance

So you thought geeks couldn’t be romantic? Well, read this, and maybe you’ll change your mind. ‘nuff said!

THE BAD

• Date Etiquette

Have you ever been on a date where the phone rings, and your date answers it and goes on to have a conversation that isn’t even remotely important? Or maybe you’re one of those people who just can’t let go of their phone. Even constantly sending text messages while on a date isn’t cool. You’re on a date. Give your date the attention and respect they deserve.

• The Personal Touch

Communication is getting less personal. Love letters have been replaced by emails, romantically worded cards by flash animated e-cards, long conversations by instant messaging, original poetry by copy-pasted song lyrics…you get the drift. It’s convenient sure, but its way less romantic too!

• The Public Domain

The internet can be pretty invasive, what with all of us being addicted to Facebook, MySpace and a lot of us even have personal blogs. Blogging about your dating life in detail, when everyone knows who your partner is, IS an invasion of privacy, and you can believe that! Also, with something like Facebook, your ‘Wall’ can be pretty out there and give out way too much information. Think about it, how many times have you watched people change their relationship status from “In a Relationship” to “Its Complicated” to “Single” etc? Seriously, who cares?

THE UGLY

• Breaking Up

Break ups hurt more when the other person doesn’t even care about saying it to your face. Remember how Britney dumped K-Fed via a text message? It’s not just a celebrity thing because more people like you and me are avoiding confrontation and breaking up over a text message or email. Some even take it to unreal levels with The Rejection Hotline, Break Up Is Easy To Do etc. Read more about that in this Washington Post article.

• The In-House Paparazzi

Paris Hilton might not care about her sex video being watched by millions but if you made a video with your lover, can you be sure they’re going to keep it to themselves or are you going to be the next hottest thing on YouTube?

• Internet Addiction

No kidding. It’s a “clinical disorder” now, as they put it in medical terms. People have put their lives and relationships at stake because they’re so addicted to the internet for reasons like gaming, social networking, emailing and sometimes just doing nothing! Far out!

Sure technology’s cool especially when you’re meeting people online from across the country, using Facebook to keep in touch and just other normal things. But when you let it take over your life, and ruin relationships rather than build them, there’s your problem.