Dating has gotten harder in recent years, and the pandemic hasn’t helped much. With hookup culture, ghosting and other modern dating complications, it’s no surprise that 47% of Americans say dating is harder today than it was a decade ago. In fact, only one-third of adults think dating is about the same as it was a decade ago, and only 19 percent say it’s easier now. If you’re interested in learning why modern dating will be so difficult in 2022, read on.
Lack of Communication
Communication is critical. Today, people just aren’t sure how to express their needs, wants and feelings. Often, women don’t express their needs and wants as often as they should. Many women subconsciously believe that their needs in a relationship are not as important as their partner’s. Meanwhile, men do not express their feelings as often as they should because they are taught to be emotional and not “masculine” enough.
Lack of communication can damage relationships and needs to be taken seriously when it comes to dating. As Kendra Cherry writes for VeryWellMind.com, “Being able to talk openly and honestly with the people in your life allows you to share, learn, respond and make lasting connections. It’s an important part of any relationship …… but it’s especially important in romantic relationships.”
Technology
Another reason dating will be so difficult in 2022 is the use of technology to date. Dating has become increasingly challenging with the introduction of low-quality dating apps in the 2010s. For example, dating apps have standardized harsh judgments on potential suitors. In a few seconds of swiping right or left, people have made snap judgments that may not be correct. It’s hard to know in a few sentences what’s good or bad about someone and know if you’re meant to be that person. In that sense, it is understandable that people resort to arbitrary date selection. However, this is not the most helpful elimination process when looking for a partner.
In addition, dating apps introduce a reimaging process. This is where a person does not respond to messages after a date. As Dr. Tirrell Degannes says, “‘ghost’ people are too scared or too rude to address their discomfort.” It’s easy to part ways with someone you’ve just met, which makes ghosting a tempting option. However, reshadowing can be difficult for those who need confirmation that a relationship won’t go any further. This is especially true if the date seems to be going well at first.
People are scared.
Women are more likely than men to say that dating is harder than it used to be (55% of women vs. 39% of men). This may be because of the additional risks involved. In fact, 21% believe that dating is harder now because of physical and emotional risks, such as being beaten up, cheated on or lied to.
Women are twice as likely as men to cite these increased risks as a reason why dating is more difficult (26% vs. 13%). In addition, incidents of date rape and sexual harassment are only increasing. One survey found that 57 percent of women and 35 percent of men have experienced some kind of harassment while dating. When this threat is imminent, it’s not surprising that men and women are staying away from dating strangers.
People just date strangers
Another reason dating will be so difficult in 2022 is that people are no longer dating the people they would be friends with. Because people are using dating apps to date people they don’t know, they aren’t entering that “friendship stage. This stage is very beneficial for new relationships. Dating is best when it is gradual and fun, and sometimes dating friends is more fun than dating strangers. When dating a stranger, if you’re not friends, there’s no chance to see if you two have chemistry. Dating someone you already know can also help you get the experience of being confident when dating a stranger.