The internet has decreased the need for physical proximity when it comes to forming and/or maintaining relationships (i.e. the propinquity effect). People no longer need to be in the same city, state, or even country to form and maintain a relationship.
Online dating platforms, social media, and other forms of digital communication allow people to meet and interact with potential romantic partners they never would have encountered otherwiseâdue to geographical barriers. The globalization of dating has broadened many people's horizons and has enabled them to explore relationships with a more diverse range of people.
A prime example of this is that one of my interviewees is currently 'talking' (i.e. both parties are romantically interested in each other but are not officially dating) to someone who lives in a different state than her. She explained that "texting is necessary, especially with building a connection where you don't see each other as often." Texting, in particular, provides a positive, immediate way to express affection when romantic partners are not in the same vicinity (Wagner et al., 2022).
Another interviewee touched upon this as well by saying: "Now youâre able to form relationships with people that are far away from you or who you wouldnât normally see as much because we have that form of online communication; back then you dated people who were in your circle of people who you saw regularly; now you can form relationships with a wider range of people because youâre not confined to your immediate community."
Because of the Internet, long-distanced relationships have become more common. Partners can maintain a sense of felt closeness through frequent digital communication via texting, video calling, social media, etc. This newfound way of being to support each other [albeit virtually] has made maintaining long-distance relationships more sustainable for many.
Ultimately, the internet has changed the way in which we connect with romantic partners by reducing geographical barriers and supporting long-distance relationships. These changes have made dating and connecting with romantic partners more accessible for many people.
You are no longer limited to the people around you when looking for loveâthe possibilities are endless!
Wagner, T., Punyanunt-Carter, N., & McCarthy, E. (2022). Rules, reciprocity, and emojis: An exploratory study on flirtatious texting with romantic partners. Southern Communication Journal, 87(5), 461â475. https://doi.org/10.1080/1041794x.2022.2108889