Analysis of Technology's Influence on Dating and Relationships

This essay examines the impact of technology on the modern dating landscape, focusing on the ethical dilemmas that arise from the increasing use of online platforms and social media. The author analyzes a newspaper article discussing how technology has transformed the dating process, leading to changes in communication, relationship formation, and the overall dating experience. The essay applies ethical theories, including utilitarianism, virtue ethics, and contract theory, to evaluate the morality of technology's influence. It discusses how these frameworks offer different perspectives on the benefits and drawbacks of technology in dating, such as the ease of connecting with others versus the potential for superficiality and reduced relationship longevity. The conclusion highlights the need for a balanced approach to technology in dating, considering both its advantages and its ethical implications to foster healthy relationships.

Running Head: TECHNOLOGY AND DATING 1
Technology and Dating

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Table of Contents
Introduction to the Newspaper Article............................................................................................3
Analysis of the Case by the Application of Ethical Theories..........................................................3
Utilitarianism Theory.......................................................................................................................4
Virtue Ethics Theory........................................................................................................................5
Contract Theory...............................................................................................................................5
Conclusion.......................................................................................................................................6
References........................................................................................................................................7

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Introduction to the Newspaper Article
The newspaper article by Gordon (2009) highlights the impact of technology on the dating
landscape. With the advent of technology and online dating, there have been radical changes in
the social life and the dating process. Although dating sites have been developed by well-
meaning men to reduce the complications of physical dating and make the whole dating process
easy, it has jeopardize the dating landscape. The technology has created a phenomenon of
constant contact, which has reduced the charm of dating. People tend stalk each other at social
media websites and the whole process of getting to know each other has diminished. It has
reduced the attraction of the dating process. The whole process of dating has gone on a fast track
and the previous process of dating has vanished. The advanced technology was based on helping
people in dating like-minded people, has contrastingly, and created more hurdles for the people.
The people get to know each other a bit more in a little less time, which has reduced the spark of
dating. People tend to get bored of each other in a very less time, which has reduced the average
dating time in a drastic manner. In the present case, ethical dilemma is the intrusion of
technology in the dating lives of the people (Gordon, 2009).
Analysis of the Case by the Application of Ethical Theories
In the present article, the author has cited the ethical dilemma regarding the impact of technology
on the dating lives of the people. There are several benefits of dating such as a person can get to
know about the background of the other person. They can also quickly inform other people that
they are going to be late. However, there are also several mishaps of technology. The people get
to know each other very quickly and there is less time for personal reflection. The people rely on
the social media image of the other people and use it to judge the other person. It is an ethical

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dilemma and people rely on different ethical frameworks to judge these conflicting decisions.
The ethical theories guide the behavior of the people and assist them in differentiating between
right and wrong actions. There are four main ethical theories, namely, utilitarianism, deontology,
contract theory and virtue ethics (Annas, 2009). These theories can be differentiated on the basis
of consequentialism and non-consequentialism. Different frameworks have different standards
for analyzing the morality of an action; however, the basis of each morality theory is that these
actions should be targeted at the welfare of the society.
Utilitarianism Theory
The utilitarianism theory states that an action is morally correct, if it has some goodwill for the
society. It is based on normative ethics and states that the morality of an action should be judged
according to its impact on the society. If an action is bringing goodwill to large number of
people, then it is morally correct. In the present case, the impact of technology on the dating lives
of people has been evaluated. The technology has negatively impacted the lives of people.
Further, the probability of leading a fulfilling life has been reduced as the people are not able to
data successfully for a long term. It means that they are not able to establish strong relationships
with their partners (Beauchamp, Bowie & Arnold, 2004). Therefore, according to utilitarianism
theory, the intrusion of technology in the dating lives of the people is unethical.
The deontological theory states that all those actions, which abide by the common law, are
ethical. Any deviation from the normal course of action is considered as immoral. It means that
an individual or organization will be ethical as long as he works in a socially acceptable fashion.
It means that the individual should not focus on the outcomes of the action; however, should
emphasize on the morally correct course of action. According to this theory, the prevalence of

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technology in the dating lives of people is a social phenomenon. With the current advancements,
the technology has impacted the personal lives of the people (Danis, Largent, Grady, Hull &
Wendler, 2012). Similarly, it will also influence the social and dating lives of the people.
Therefore, the application of technology in the social lives is totally justifiable.
Virtue Ethics Theory
The virtue ethics theory states that there are certain imbibed virtues in the character of a
man. He uses this virtue while judging the morality of this action rather than the morality
framework (Mertens & Ginsberg, 2009). According to this theory, the intervention of technology
in the dating lives is justifiable. With times, technology has prevailed in the lives of people. It
has made several aspects of the human life easy. There are several negative effects of technology
as well. However, it is expected that there are some downfalls of each technology. People have
to bear these consequences, as there are always two sides of the coin. It can be critiqued that
according to virtue ethics, the action is justifiable.
Contract Theory
The social contract theory states that the personal and social obligation of a person is dependent
upon the contract formed with the society or the community, in which they reside. According to
this theory, although there is no particular agreement between the society and that individual, he
has some obligations towards the society. According to this theory, the intervention of
technology in the dating lives is completely justified. In the present, no one can .live without
technology. The technology has made our lives so much easier. The technology has changed the
manner in which the people are communicating and conversing with each other (Gregory, 2003).
The smart phones means that the people are always contactable, social media assist in getting to

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know each other, even before the people meet and dating applications allow the like-minded to
communicate with each other. There are also several benefits of technology in dating as it
provides plethora of options to choose from. The dating application has also changed the manner
in which people find their potential partners. It has also increased the convenience in dating. The
people save lot more time, when they look through their partner profile on the social media.
Therefore, the internet and technology has numerous benefits for the potential dating community.
Conclusion
Conclusively, it can be stated that the internet and technology has several benefits for the
potential dating community. Therefore, people should use it for finding their future partner. In
the present paper, the article of impact of technology on the dating lives of people has been
examined. The author has highlighted several issues in the personal lives of the people as an
intervention of technology. The dating has gone on a fast-track mode and people are getting
bored of each other very quickly. The present rate of successful relationship is very less. There is
no mystery in relationship and people get to know each other very quickly. It reduces the spark if
dating.

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References
Annas, J. (2009). Virtue ethics. In The Oxford handbook of ethical theory. Oxford University
Press.
Beauchamp, T. L., Bowie, N. E., & Arnold, D. G. (Eds.). (2004). Ethical theory and business.
Danis, M., Largent, E., Grady, C., Hull, S.C., & Wendler, D. (2012). Research Ethics
Consultation: A Casebook. Oxford University Press, USA.
Gordon, B. (2009). Technology and dating. Retrieved 5 May 2018 from
https://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/technology-and-dating-20090520-besc.html
Gregory, I. (2003). Ethics in Research. A&C Black.
Mertens, D.M., & Ginsberg, P.E. (2009). The Handbook of Social Research Ethics. SAGE
Publications Inc.