Online and “App” dating are becoming increasingly popular, and with the introduction of new technology, researchers estimate that these forms of dating will only become more intimate. When someone thinks of online dating, one would not normally use “intimate” as one of the adjectives to describe this process. According to Match.com, the site is planning to integrate the use of facial recognition technology, which would allow its users the ability to highlight their least and most favorable traits for a potential suitor. Is the use of facial recognition technology going to change the online dating world for the worse?

With the introduction of facial recognition technology someone will be able to map out their “dream” candidate down to the very aesthetics of their face. This might seem like a technological mile-stone to some, but might be too impersonal for others.

Will this addition to online dating completely eliminate the “old fashioned system” used for dating by every other generation? Will it eventually be passée  to meet someone out at a bar, or through mutual friends? It would be possible for people to argue that through the introduction of such advanced online dating preferences, will only allow  for the introduction of more introverted people into society.

It is starting to become increasingly normal for humans to hide behind technology when interacting with others. Whether it is texting, Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, it is becoming a societal norm for people to communicate with others  sans physical contact. Friendships, and ‘intimate’ relationships sans phsyical contact have become glamorized through such shows as “Catfish” on MTV, where producers follow people who have online relationships, but since they have never met in person, are unclear of whether or not the person is real or fake.