Modern High School Dating Trends

January 22, 2019

Caroline Robson

News Editor

Many high school aged teens, typically ranging from 14 to 18, date or have dated while in school. This is nothing new or significant to any generation, as many of our grandparents were even high school sweethearts. The teen years are when kids are able to find themselves and start becoming mature and productive people. One significant difference that is apparent in today’s dating culture us the use of technology to meet and communicate with partners,

Snapchat, Instagram, and text message are all significant ways in which teens and most members of society communicate with each other these days. By following someone of interest on Instagram, or adding them on Snapchat, teens are able to make a first move in a very subtle, yet nearly effortless way.

According to a study done by the Pew Research Center, 25% of all high school students who have dated or been in romantic relationships in the past have met their significant other through some form of online communication. Looking back 30 years ago to the generation of our parents, this would not have been even remotely possible. The dating world has been forever changed, because it can take a lot more courage to go up to someone in person rather than hide behind a social media username.

Dating apps have also taken the world by storm. White typically reserved for ages 18 and up, many high school students still use apps like Tinder and Bumble. Tinder is the most common, being an easy way to swipe (indicating a like or a disinterest) based on someone’s appearance, name, and short bio. It makes finding a date significantly faster and easier, although maybe not a foolproof method for finding a soulmate.

At OHS many of these trends are very obvious and frequent. Many couples communicate throughout the day over text message and Snapchat, as well as being active on each other’s Instagram pages, liking posts and leaving comments. It can help many couples feel connected and involved with each others lives, and although it is impersonal forms of communication, it allows for more personal relationships because of the drastic increase of communication.