Relationships have always been complex and exciting. In fact, the complexities play a major role in creating the excitement. So in this GPS-directed age, do the GPS dating options bring more complexity and excitement or less? The answer to that probably depends on your perspective. But here are a few general observations about going out with GPS technology that might help you confine the complexities to the realm of the relationship and avoid those that are related to this relatively new technological approach to relationships.
Increased Immediacy
Using the now-established mode of online relationship sites often means entering a getting-to-know-you process that takes time—lots of time—and a significant amount of effort. If you’re looking for a date for the weekend, these sites may help out, but they may just as easily result in disaster. Then, of course, there’s the age-old face-to-face method of determining attraction or interest by body language, facial expressions, and the spoken word. Going out with GPS bypasses much of this preliminary effort, awkwardness, and delay. Many people who use the GPS method are looking for fun with a finger-snap (or finger-tap, rather) right in your area.
Decreased Background Information
Compared to dating sites and services, GPS apps locate and connect users without much of the complex information entry and communication stages. Relationships started with technology often include the exchange of a lot of personal details before a face-to-face meeting happens, leaving out some essential elements of non-verbal communication at the very stage that each person is forming lasting and significant first impressions. While this feature adds a significant element of risk, it also has the potential of keeping that information for face-to-face conversations or reserving it for a later time if the relationship becomes serious.
Low Expectation Level
So far, the GPS method seems to naturally attract people who are interested in short-term relationships or no-pressure dates. While the expectation for the particular date arranged will vary from person to person, the expectation for a commitment doesn’t seem to enter the equation—at least at the outset. Once again, there are obvious risks to this current common mentality among those going out with GPS. Whether or not you’re among the majority or minority in the GPS group, it’s helpful to know what your date might be expecting—or not expecting. With the appropriate safety precautions and pre-date communication, you could end up going out with GPS on a regular basis.
