Technology is changing the way we connect with others in our society and intimate relationships are not an exception. The proliferation of the internet and smartphones means we are always available, social media allows others to get to know us before we even meet and dating apps allow us a large selection of suitable partners. Dating has turned into a game where pursuing one's own interests and time efficiency are at the forefront, and where meeting partners is perceived as virtual shopping. Along with all this, our sexuality and traditional monogamous relationships are also changing as both are becoming more fluid. We can therefore argue that technology has a major impact on sexual practices and sexual orientation, as well as on long-term relationships, monogamy and other romantic ideals.
In order to interpret individualism, commodification, and increased fluidity in two episodes of the popular Black Mirror series, the dissertation is based on critical theoretical conceptual analysis, where in one episode I emphasize the dystopian nature of technology and in the other I focus on its ability to emancipate within intimate relationships. The findings of this thesis show that dating apps dehumanize individuals as they become mere commodities in the market and that individuality is limited by the system. On the other hand, technology offers the opportunity to experiment, explore one's own sexuality and transform social norms, especially traditional monogamous relationships.
|
