In this most recent chapter Regnerus heavily focuses on the use of dating websites and how it has transformed the “dating and mating market”. Regnerus claims that dating websites like tinder have created a market in which sex can simply be comodified and purchased in a sense that the apps themselves are created for that sole purpose. He further explains that the dating market has been transformed by these new apps in a way that creates short-lived relationships that are constantly recycled through many people. The author says that these apps have devalued what people are looking for in amate and has created a quick and fast way to find a mate. Regnerus believes these apps are bad and are devaluing the relationships that are often formed in the dating market. He says the apps make it so that people can temporarily enter the market for one purpose and leave shortly after. I believe that these apps are not necessarily bad and that if people are using these apps to make a quick and easy “transaction” in the dating market, as Regnerus would call it, that is a choice that is up to them and if people want to engage in the mating market in this manner they would do it with or without dating apps. Simply, dating apps just make the market more accessible and I believe there is nothing dangerously wrong with that.
Categories
2 replies on ““Cheap Sex” Ch.3”
“A choice that is up to them.” What do you think Regnerus might have to say about this kind of thinking about sexual relationships? Do individuals have choices that are unaffected by factors beyond them in such matters? And you don’t say much substantively about Regnerus’ argument as to why dating apps are “bad.” What’s the evidence for his claim?
This is a good summary of the chapter as I agree with your ideas. You do a good job describing Regnerus’ thoughts on the dating scene and how it has been impacted due to technology and applications, such as tinder. As you mention, Regnerus explains how this likely will lead to more short term relationships. Furthermore, the author believes that these types of applications are not beneficial to society, however, you disagree with him and state that they are good if people want to engage in this type of mating market. Whether you agree or disagree with Regnerus, do you think that this new style of dating will hurt long term relationships? Additionally, is there a chance that this could even impact society so much that the number of marriages or long term relationships will decrease when looking into the future?