What is modern romance? Online, the generational trend gap is evident when it comes to seeking out romantic connections. The younger generations favour social networking sites like Facebook and MySpace, with older singles more commonly opting for tailored dating websites. Older singles are also far more likely to subscribe to dating websites, whereas younger generations favour free sites.
Social Network Sites
Sites like Facebook are popular with younger folks thanks to the real-time playing of life through their profiles. Friends (and more importantly crushes) can be kept tabs of throughout the day with relative ease.
Privacy settings and private messaging enable amorous couples to go about their courtship as publicly or furtively as they like, with the arguable advantage of there being no set protocol or expectation – these sites are designed for social networking rather than dating.
Older singles often become frustrated with the lack of focus created by social networking websites. These may well be the online domain of teenage loves, crushes, broken hearts and reputations, but to a single looking for a meaningful connection with a likeminded person, the pools of the likes of Facebook can seem troublesome and daunting. Teens on the other hand often thrive on this element of online drama and varied interaction.
Tailored Dating Sites
Intrinsic procedures and expectations engrained into the ethos of dating sites make it much easier for many older singles to navigate the online dating world. Whereas a social networking site encapsulates all kinds of hidden meanings and potential online etiquette gaffes, specifically designed dating sites are clear in their intention, generally easily navigable and designed to incorporate a higher level of privacy throughout communication. Younger folks and teens tend to be less interested finding a partner, and more in simply socialising with the varied online personas of their peers.