In an era of fast-paced technological advancements, changing social norms, and the ever-evolving relationship dynamics, traditional institutions like marriage face increased scrutiny. With modern dating trends like “nanoships”–which are extremely short-lived relationships, and “textationships”– wherein people are connected in a relationship solely through texts, it often makes one think and questions the sustainability and relevance of long-term commitments in contemporary times. Add to it the rising divorce rates globally, and one is bound to ask whether marriages are still important in contemporary times. But, a closer look at this question reveals that while over time, the form and perception of marriage may be evolving, it continues to play an important role in our society, though in new ways.
Modern dating trends one should know about
We live in an ever-evolving world, where even dating trends keep changing to keep up with the modern times. These modern dating trends reflect the growing complexity of relationships in today’s world. Here we list some modern dating trends one should know about:
1. Nanoships
Just as the term suggests, these are extremely short and fleeting connections that are often driven by the immediacy of dating apps. People in nanoships often focus on seeking instant gratification and emotional support rather than long-term compatibility and commitment.
2. Textationships
Textationships, as mentioned earlier, emphasise digital communication over physical interaction. People in textationships are connected only via texts and they seldom meet in person. However, they are emotionally invested in such connections, which makes them feel just like real-life relationships. While textationships are convenient, these relationships often lack depth and may struggle to transition into real-world dynamics. People who prioritise their emotional safety and minimal effort often subconsciously opt for textationships, and this reflects a shift in how people are dating in contemporary times.
3. Benching
Another new trend in dating which is often seen today is benching. In this, a person keeps his/ her options open by keeping their prospective partners on hold (or on a bench), thus avoiding commitment. Benching thus lacks depth in relationships and doesn’t usually go further than the dating and getting-to-know stages.
4. Branching
Derived from the concept of how a monkey moves from one branch to the next on a tree, in this a person often swiftly moves from one relationship to the next without taking any break between relationships or reflecting upon their past mistakes. Thus, people who engage in benching often fail to grow emotionally and as a person. They might also end up having shallow romantic connections and keep making the same mistakes in their relationships.
5. Ghosting
Ghosting is probably one of the worst forms of breaking up, wherein a person decides to move on from a relationship without really informing or discussing it with their partner. This leaves the other person in the relationship in self-doubt and questioning what went wrong in their partnership.
These dating trends reflect how fragile and shallow modern dating is, which would naturally make one ask if traditional institutions like marriage are still relevant in modern times.
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The rise in divorce rates
Over the years, it is seen that divorce rates have climbed globally for several reasons:
1. Changing social norms: Divorce has become less stigmatised, and this has helped many people leave their unhappy marriages.
2. Increased independence: An increase in the financial and social independence, especially of women, has made it easier for them to exit unsatisfactory relationships and marriages. Most women today are now more independent and outspoken, and they often raise their voice for their needs and wants in relationships.
3. Unrealistic expectations: Modern portrayals of romance– be it in films or how couples portray their perfect love on social media– often create unrealistic ideals and expectations. This leads to disappointment in long-term relationships.
While these factors may in some contribute to higher divorce rates, they also reflect a growing need for one’s personal fulfillment and mutual respect in relationships– values that marriage can still uphold when approached thoughtfully.
Similarly, reinforcing one’s belief in intentional dating that can lead to marriage and long-term commitment, is a new trend which is often seen in the younger generation. Called ‘slow-burn’ and ‘simmering’, people in such relationships often focus more on getting to know a person well and building a strong connection before they officially start dating. This prolonged ‘talking stage’ in their relationship, helps people know each other well and choose partners who have shared goals in life thus decreasing the chances of heartbreak later. It can also lead to marriage, if both the partners wish the same in their relationship– thus showing that the institution of marriage still remains relevant even today.
Why marriage remains relevant
Despite the challenges posed by modern trends and rising divorces, marriage continues to hold importance in our society for several reasons:
1. Marriage continues to be a powerful symbol of long-term commitment. While dating apps and casual relationships focus more on immediacy, marriage signifies a deliberate choice to build a shared future.
2. Many studies show that married people often have higher levels of emotional well-being as compared to those who are single. The stability offered by a long-term partner can provide a strong foundation for one’s personal growth.
3. For some, marriage can also offer financial advantages, like shared expenses. Households where both the partners are earning have greater economic stability.
4. For many, marriage is still relevant as they consider it an ideal framework for having and raising children. It provides a structured environment that helps build emotional and financial support for their children. And that’s one of the reasons why, even many celebs opt for marriage even after being in a live-in and committed relationship for years.
5. In many societies, marriage still holds deep cultural and religious values, thus making it an important part of their community and family life. While the way or reasons why people marry today may have changed, the role of the institution of marriage in preserving traditions remains significant even today.
READ MORE: How celebrities’ lives and family dynamics reflect modern relationships
How marriages have evolved over time
While marriages continue to stay relevant and important even today, they have changed and evolved over the years. Here’s how:
1. Non-traditional partnerships
Many couples are now open to the idea of non-traditional forms of marriage– like partnerships that focus on cohabitation without any legal formalities or role reversals in marriages. These arrangements show a shift towards personalisation and flexibility in modern relationships.
2. Gender equality
People today emphasise equality in their relationships– be it sharing household responsibilities or finances. This shift has helped in improving the overall satisfaction in many relationships.
3. Delayed marriages
Many people today prefer to marry and settle down later in life; they often prioritise education, career, and personal growth over marriage. This leads to more people having more mature and informed partnerships.
4. Focusing more on compatibility
Unlike earlier times when marriages were often arranged or driven by social expectations, people today focus more on having mutual compatibility and shared values with their partners. This helps in building a marriage on a strong foundation.
How technology is shaping modern relationships and marriages
Over the years, technology has revolutionised relationships and marriages in both good and bad ways. While apps and social media have introduced challenges like infidelity and digital distractions, they’ve also led to meaningful connections across distances. Many couples can now navigate long-distance marriages or even plan weddings through virtual platforms, showing how technology can support rather than undermine the institution of marriage.
While modern dating trends reflect how relationships are evolving, they do not diminish the importance of marriage in contemporary times. Instead, they highlight the need for marriage to grow and adapt with time. Marriage continues to offer emotional security, financial stability, and a solid structure for raising children and families, thus making it important for human connection. As society progresses, marriages have become more flexible and adaptable in contemporary times.
