WDAY: The News Leader

Published November 24, 2013, 07:45 PM

Technology is changing the way teens are dating one another

Fargo, ND (WDAY TV) -Technology is changing the texture of our love lives.


Whether it's flirting or a relationship status update, a new study proves Americans are using social media to set the mood.

In a world where technology is taking over, its sites like social media that's grabbing all the attention.

Nika Kingdon/MSUM Freshman: "I've been on Facebook and twitter a lot."

According to Pew Research Center 6 out of every 10 people in the U.S. use social networking.

And the age at which kids are logging on is becoming younger and younger.

Kevin Schwab/MSUM Freshman: "I think I had a Myspace when I was 12."

41% of social media users between the ages of 18 and 29 admit using sites like Twitter and Facebook to get more information on a potential date.

18% fessed up to following someone online because a friend that they'd be a good match.

Kingdon: "I add them because they come up on my friends list and I'm like whatever, my connection. Ya know, I'm a big networking person."

Sure, sure. Whatever the excuse, the very-visual sites prompt users to connect.

15% say they've used the network to ask someone out.

But Nika and Kevin deny getting that close to anyone over the wires.

Kingdon: "I personally would not do it unless I know them, met them in person. But I've had friend who've done it in the past."

Neither freshman will admit creeping on crushes online but both say they've seen it done.

So who's the bigger culprit? Guys or gals?

Schwab: "girls, it seems like they'll look for pictures, and guys will also look for pictures but they'll want to know more about them. Like they'll look at their 'about' and see what they're into or something if they're kind of interested in them."

Kingdon: "honestly, I think girls add guys crazily, all the time add guys more. But I think guys are the ones who ask them out more."

Whoever is to blame, the big question is why?

Why is it easier to communicate via twitter of Facebook?

Kingdon: "I know a lot of people are shy and they're scared of rejection so, I'm thinking they think it's a better connection."

But better can turn into a block.

27% of users told Pew Research Center they've un-friended someone because after searching for that Mr. Right, he or she turned out to be all wrong.

Letting go of a past relationship has gotten harder with social media as well.

31% of users admit they've checked up on someone they use to date by using sites like Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.