Dating in the 21st Century

This series of photographs titled, Dating In The 21st Century, consists of eighteen digital photographs in diptychs that play off of each other. These photographs are conceptual representations of emotions, diction, and technology influences on people who use dating app platforms. The use of AI in our everyday lives has become more prevalent in every aspect, including the dating world. Our younger generations are using AI technologies to communicate with each other on dating app platforms. The three AI hand sculptures represent this new way of communicating with each other in the dating world. Each sculpture holds a different promo card that embodies the actual dating app's tactics of promoting why putting money into these apps will give you a better chance at love. Dating in the 21st Century is difficult with the demands of work and school life. The last decade has shown an increase in popularity in dating apps and found that 39% of couples have reported meeting online. But creating authentic connections with people is hard, leading individuals to use technology and dating apps to fill this void. During the lock down in 2020 people found themselves relying more on dating platforms for social interactions, and 31% of people started spending more time on these prior to the pandemic. These apps have great intentions for people to find their romantic partner, which in my case worked. However, the impact on one’s mental health and the boost in dopamine one gets from swiping and liking people can create an unhealthy addiction to these apps. Viewers are asked to consider their perspectives and connections to these photographs, sculptures, and graphic pieces and how they impact young adults today in the dating world.