Show content
(I) It is a striking reality that the consequences of sexual liberation have been far from what was originally envisioned. In today's society, the repercussions of sexual freedom are evident in various aspects of life, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake.
(II) Modern dating has undergone a seismic shift in recent years, with the rise of dating apps and the pervasive influence of oversexualization in society. While these developments have undoubtedly changed the dating landscape, they have also led to a broken and dysfunctional dating culture that is fraught with challenges and drawbacks. In this manifesto, we will explore how the oversexualization led by sexual liberation have contributed to the breakdown of modern dating, examining the negative impacts they have had on gender dynamics, relationships, and societal norms.
(III) Gender dynamics have been significantly impacted by the advent of dating apps. While girls are often overwhelmed with attention, most boys struggle to find any romantic connections. Disturbingly, the age of losing virginity is steadily increasing, and while some individuals may have multiple romantic affairs in a month, the majority are left without any meaningful experiences. These imbalances in dating and relationships have far-reaching emotional effects on males, leading to issues such as pornography consumption and dependence on it as a substitute for real connections.
(IV) The paradigmatic shift in our approach to relationships since the Paleolithic age is profound. In the past, when humans lived in tribes of around 150 people, choosing a partner was a simpler process. Today, with the vast exposure to media and technology, we have access to images and information about more individuals than our ancestors could have ever imagined. Rather than being in a community with a few dozens of potential partners, the fact of being tens of thousand within a single metropolis further exacerbates the issue.
(V) One of the key factors in the erosion of modern dating is the ubiquity of dating apps. With the advent of smartphones and the proliferation of dating platforms such as Tinder, Bumble, Badoo and Grindr, the process of finding a romantic partner has been reduced to swiping left or right based on superficial criteria. The emphasis on quick judgments and instant gratification has fostered a disposable and transactional approach to dating, where individuals are treated as commodities to be evaluated based on their physical appearance or comparatively mundane profile details. This has led to a devaluation of meaningful connections and a focus on quantity over quality, with many individuals engaging in a perpetual cycle of swiping, messaging, and ghosting, without ever truly investing in genuine relationships.
(VI) Moreover, dating apps have also amplified issues such as objectification, superficiality, and the normalization of casual sex. \[1\] In the pursuit of instant gratification, dating app users often engage in shallow and superficial interactions that prioritize physical appearance and superficial attributes over compatibility, personality, and shared values. This has led to a culture of objectification, where individuals are reduced to mere objects of desire, and meaningful emotional connections are often overlooked. Additionally, the ease (for women and a few men) of accessing casual sex through dating apps has normalized a hook-up culture, where sexual encounters are detached from emotional intimacy and commitment, leading to a devaluation of traditional dating and relationship norms.
(VII) Furthermore, oversexualization has permeated modern dating culture beyond dating apps. In today's society, sex has become increasingly commodified and used as a tool for validation, social status, and power. \[2\] This can be seen in the widespread use of sexually suggestive images, messages, and behaviors in dating profiles, conversations, and interactions. The hyper-sexualization of dating has created unrealistic expectations and pressures. Even if this manifesto is mainly adressed to men, it is important to state out that this point specially applies to women, who often feel compelled to conform to narrow beauty standards and perform sexuality to gain attention and approval. This has resulted in a culture where individuals are objectified based on their sexual appeal, rather than valued for their personality, character, and compatibility as potential partners.
(VIII) The impact of these issues on relationships and gender dynamics cannot be overstated. The disposable nature of dating app culture has led to a lack of commitment and investment in relationships, with many individuals reluctant to pursue genuine connections or invest in long-term partnerships.
(IX) The normalization of casual sex has blurred the lines between dating and hook-up culture, leading to confusion, miscommunication, and mismatched expectations in relationships. The pervasive oversexualization has led to the objectification of individuals, particularly women, and has perpetuated harmful gender stereotypes and expectations in dating, reinforcing damaging societal norms and power imbalances.
(X) The broken state of modern dating has far-reaching consequences for individuals and society as a whole. On an individual level, it can lead to emotional distress, disillusionment, and a sense of emptiness or disconnection. Many individuals report feeling exhausted, frustrated, and jaded with the dating process, as they struggle to find meaningful connections in a culture that prioritizes superficiality and casual encounters. This can also impact mental health, with increased rates of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem associated with the pressures and challenges of modern dating.
(XI) On a societal level, the consequences of broken dating culture are equally concerning. The devaluation of meaningful connections and the normalization of superficial interactions can erode the fabric of social bonds and contribute to a sense of disconnectedness and loneliness. The perpetuation of harmful gender stereotypes and expectations in dating can reinforce existing societal inequalities, contributing to issues such as sexism, misogyny, and toxic masculinity. Additionally, the emphasis on instant gratification and the normalization of casual sex can have repercussions for sexual health and consent, as well as impact notions of intimacy, commitment, and long-term relationships.
(XII) So, how can we address the broken state of modern dating? Firstly, it is crucial to recognize the limitations of dating apps and the potential harms they can perpetuate. While dating apps can be a useful tool for meeting new people, they should not be relied upon as the sole avenue for forming meaningful connections. It is essential to approach dating apps with a discerning mindset, prioritize genuine connections over superficial criteria, and foster open and honest communication.
(XIII) Secondly, we need to challenge the oversexualization of dating culture. This includes being mindful of the use of sexually suggestive images and messages in dating profiles and interactions, and valuing individuals for their personality, character, and compatibility, rather than their sexual appeal. It is crucial to promote healthy and respectful attitudes towards sexuality, consent, and intimacy in dating, and reject harmful societal norms that perpetuate objectification and superficiality.
(XIV) Furthermore, fostering a culture of genuine connection and investment in relationships is vital. This includes prioritizing meaningful emotional connections, practicing effective communication, and investing in building healthy and committed relationships, preferably beneath the umbrella of a supportive community. It may also involve reevaluating our expectations around instant gratification and recognizing that forming deep connections takes time, effort, and vulnerability.
(XV) Lastly, addressing the broken state of modern dating requires collective efforts at the societal level. This includes promoting gender equality, challenging harmful gender stereotypes and expectations, and fostering inclusive and respectful dating cultures that value diversity, consent, and mutual respect. It also involves fostering a culture that values emotional intimacy, commitment, and long-term relationships as essential components of a healthy dating culture.
(XVI)To summarize, modern dating is broken due to the impact of dating apps and oversexualization in society. The disposable and transactional nature of dating apps, the normalization of casual sex, and the objectification of individuals have contributed to a culture of superficiality, disconnectedness, and harmful gender dynamics. Addressing this broken state requires a shift towards genuine connections, healthy attitudes towards sexuality, commitment, and inclusive dating cultures. By recognizing the limitations of dating apps, challenging oversexualization, fostering meaningful connections, and promoting healthy societal norms, we can work towards a more positive and fulfilling dating culture that values meaningful connections, respect, and emotional intimacy.
(XVII) It is great to understand this information, but more importantly do not contemplate on it too much and rejoice. Amidst these challenges, there is a glimmer of hope. It is crucial to acknowledge these realities and take steps to navigate the complexities of modern relationships. Rather than succumbing to the pitfalls of virtual interactions and shallow connections, we can choose to embrace the opportunities of the real world. By fostering genuine connections, prioritizing emotional intimacy, and valuing meaningful relationships, we can create a future where individuals thrive in authentic and fulfilling connections.
\[1\] It is important to clarify that the intention of this manifesto is not to shame or criticize anyone for their sexual choices or experiences. It is not about advocating for the imposition of fundamentalist morals and a return to strict limitations on sexual relations, such as confining them only to married couples. Rather, the aim is to highlight the detrimental effects that unchecked sexual liberation has brought upon various aspects of society.
\[2\] It is worth noting that the pursuit of orgasms, often fueled by highly sexualized media, is not a biological necessity. It is a societal construct driven by fear of missing out or by societal pressures, rather than an inherent need that must be prioritized at all costs.