STORY:
Love in the 21^st Century
by Kristen Machut

Computers drive courtship for the future

The 21st century today wouldn't be what it is without singles bars and computer chat rooms. With so many changes in how we court one another, one can't help but wonder what lies ahead for love?

We do know one thing for certain. That is, the need for men and women to find love, feel united, feel they belong to another and to explore intimacy. We just can't live without love. However, how we find that special someone to share our love with continues to change as technology weaves its way throughout our daily lives.

Years and years ago, typically it was the male who asked out the female, paid the tab and made the first move. With an ever increaseing popularity of women shouting "Hear me roar!" this isn't always the case anymore. Women like to take the bull by the horns and are very quick to pay the check or buy a round for the team.

In the years ahead, I'm willing to bet that technology will surely drive many relationships. Security on the Internet and society's comfort in shopping, chatting and browsing online will make it all the more easy to stumble on Mr. Right.

Just as the car made people mobile, from one city to the next, one state line to another, the term "long distance" relationship found its roots. Couples suddenly became moblie too, and for many, out of supervision's reach. Long distance romance seemed dreamy and romantic. And now, it's possible, not only with our favorite set of wheels, but with our favorite internet browser too!

As you are probably aware, the most obvious place to turn for for quick answers is one's computer. The internet enables singles and couples alike to flirt through an Instant Messenge conversation, develop their relationship in their favorite chat room or give relationship advice by blogging. There is no longer a good excuse for not staying in touch. And many relationships depend on that constant, instant communication made possible by an online interface.

We may not know how far technology will take us, but as long as we love one another, we're sure to communicate by the most effecient means through electronic counterparts. That is after all, the definition of 'technology.'