Sexting

Sexting Is The New Normal

By Sarah Comorant on June 13, 2013

Instagram, ‘selfies’, sexting, dating websites — we can’t decide whether technology has complicated our love lives or made them more convenient (or both?). But one thing’s for sure, we could talk about the topic for days — make that two weeks, to be exact!

Welcome to our first annual ‘Dating In The Digital Age’ campaign! From now through June 26th, we’ll explore the exhilarating highs (gah! You’re Facebook official!) and the nail-biting lows (um, did he just break up with me on Twitter?) of looking for love and maintaining healthy relationships in the era of technology.

From May 20 – June 2, 2013, we used SurveyMonkey to poll 469 readers to see just what your digital dating habits are, anyway. And what did we find out? According to our Dating In the Digital Age 2013 survey, about 95% of you have hit up Facebook looking for dates! Sadly, only a fraction have found real love there. And real love is where it’s at: 63% of you said you’ve joined dating sites looking for something serious. Surprisingly, most people looking for love are not willing to pay for it! 60% surveyed say they wouldn’t use a dating site that charges a fee.

While 86% of respondents claim to represent themselves accurately online, the most common little white lies include posting an old profile picture and misrepresenting their weight. What’s more, although 5% report seeking casual sex from dating sites, 43% report sexting their dates and a shocking one-third send nude digital photos.

Despite all this digital dating hoopla, though, y’all haven’t given up on looking for love IRL just yet. ”Interestingly, despite the innumerable digital ways to find love, most people prefer the old-fashion way!” . “Respondents report the best places to find great dates are through social activities; followed by getting set up by friends or family. Free dating sites ranked third.”

Other interesting findings? Two-thirds would not go on a date with someone whose profile contains no photos (which, you know, means a third of people actually would go out with someone sight-unseen!). Confirming a suitor’s identity is of highest concern among online daters (68%), followed by a criminal record (23%); only 7% are most concerned with STD testing and less than 2% care about a date’s credit score.

And significant others, take note: you have no excuse in the digital age. According to more than half of survey-takers, partners and spouses should be contact every day in some capacity, whether it’s by phone, text, email or even social media. But be careful what you say: Digital miscommunications have caused lovers’ quarrels among more three-quarters of survey-takers.

So, whether you’re mingling on OKCupid or you’re in an LTR and addicted to Instagramming your love, check in with us each day as we bring you two weeks’ worth of stories that explore everything from smartphone etiquette (we’re looking at you, ‘selfie’ enthusiasts) to online dating strategies (it’s all about your opening line) to the newest wedding trends inspired by the internet (think customized wedding hashtags). Experts will weigh in on how to use technology to find real love, and our favorite writers will share personal essays about the intersection of love and technology.