Sex, Romance, and Technology: Efficiency, Predictability, and Standardization in College Dating Cultures

This article considers the extent that new forms of communication technologies developed in last half century have contributed to sexual and romantic relationships flourishing among early adults United States. project pays particular attention implications during 2020 pandemic lockdowns increased dependency on technology followed. empirical work uses theoretical framework provided by scholarship George Ritzer (2004), which focuses social narratives drive labor into increasingly rational functionalist operations, he terms McDonaldization. interview data collected from college students explore attitudes related casual sex development serious participants. In an analysis data, three key trends emerged can be understood within Ritzer’s frame. Research participants utilize value their intimate as information filters provide efficiency creating relationships. They also demonstrate use technological, organizational, connective tools means control Finally, technological symbols signal a kind semi-standardized symbol commitment relationship, though meaning these signs is still contested.