Ball State researcher says traditional dating has disappeared
Traditional dating in the early 21st century has nearly disappeared as young people put off marriage in the Internet era, says Scott Hall, a family studies professor at Ball State University.
Instead of settling down in their early 20s, American men and women are putting off marriage for nearly a decade — focusing on building their careers and lives. According to U.S. Census data, the average age for marriage is 28 for men and 26 for women — a jump from the early 1950s when it was 22 for men and 20 for women.
Hall says that Internet dating, long-distance relationships and more casual sexual encounters allow young adults to explore more options outside of marriage. Instead of the traditional courting routine of spending time together and impressing parents, young people tend to go on group dates or simply spend time together without a formal commitment.
He also believes today’s young adults have more experiences than they would have a generation or two ago, allowing them to take their time in selecting a mate. At the same time, Hall questions young adults’ abilities to adjust to monogamy after years of individualistic pursuits.
“Marriage happens today after people have built up their careers and have lived independently for a time,’ Hall says. “Young adults have many goals they want to accomplish before settling down and starting a family.”
