By Aaryn Kornbau
We’ve all had an elderly family member condemn our life choices, shame us for our immoral integrity, and we’ve all heard the phrase“ It wasn’t like that, back in my day” a handful of times.
So what’s really changed, that’s left a gap in the social standards and norms of our parents’ generation and our generation? The first and most influential change is the modernization of technology.
At any given second we are using 21st century technology to communicate and interact with one another. This generation has the world at their command, without having to go further than their fingertips.
There has been more people meeting via online dating and social media networking cites than ever before.
Many people think that social media takes away the aspect of connecting with someone. Steven Merriam 22-year old Pierce College Student said “You can put anything on those profiles and none of it has to be true. I just think face to face is better, I personally would not do it.”
With all the uncertainty of dating websites there are still relationships that thrive despite not having met in person. “My one friend, she met her boyfriend online and they’ve been going strong for two years, while other situations met in person and they haven’t lasted very long.” Said Iana Abinales 18-year old Pierce College student.
Social standards have also impacted dating and relationships of this generation, with all of the modifications for sexual preference and gender equality in society. Having an exclusively sexual relationship or hooking up with someone today is the norm. When just a few decades ago talking about your intimate relationship publicly was considered taboo.
Emily Clark 17-year old running start student said, “ I think the expectation when you’re in a relationship is completely different now. Sex is expected when your 19 or 20-years old, because that’s what people want. When our grandparents dated it wasn’t like that.”
The last and final thing that has affected social standards for dating is the feminist movement, there has been more liberation in gender equality. Allowing women to function in a relationship without pre-set ideals of what is expected of them.
This has chanced the attachment styles within relationships. Women no longer have to take the back seat as a nurturing or supportive partner.
“I don’t think that I’ a dominant partner nor do I think I’m anything beneath that as a side thing. I guess I just want equality in a relationship,” Said Abinales. Partners can set and assign roles within the confines of a relationship to create a sense of balance and equality.
Despite differing opinions on the validity and quality of 21st century relationships, there is no doubt that they have changed based on society changing and will continue to change as we movie into the future.
