Prima is introducing a new dating reality show, Are You the One. Has today's generation perhaps forgotten how to date in reality?
Dating reality shows have become a huge phenomenon in the past few years. It started with Hotel Paradise and the biggest boom was brought by the universally loved Love Island. "Guilty pleasures" or relaxing entertainment. These are common nicknames for these television phenomena. In a broader context, however, they really offer more than just momentary pleasure. Are these shows gaining viewership precisely because of the absence of romance in our personal lives? And what effect do these series have on younger viewers? So is it still possible to date normally, or are we really left with only Tinder and a matchmaking show in front of the entire nation?
You read about it on the internet all the time. The young generation lacks intimacy, relationships don't interest them. A simplistic categorization without a clear explanation. "They're snowflakes, they don't know how to enjoy themselves, and overall the nineties were better," the older individuals say. But isn't there something entirely different about it? Are the young missing authenticity rather than intimacy? While in the past a relationship might have started with a night on the dance floor, today it begins with a message, a like, or a "brave" click on the follow button. Just like all other aspects of our lives, dating perfectly reflects our society and the digital age we live in. But are we even keeping pace with this tempo?
The Phenomenon of Dating Shows
Claiming that dating reality shows kill romance would be somewhat bold and misguided. Most viewers are still able to distinguish that television entertainment does not always equate to reality. However, what these phenomena surely bring are unrealistic standards. You ask, what kind?
If we stick to our Czechoslovak pond, with a very heavy heart we can discuss any greater representation or inclusion of human bodies. Girls with size XS and guys who spend hours in the gym. Yes, the view of them is certainly beautiful, but if you take a walk in the summer at Mácháč, you will very quickly find out that it is not completely common and realistic. And it is not surprising. Few people have as much time and funds to invest them all in their physique. Unfortunately, this one type of casting then gives young people the feeling that no other body types exist. Prima's casting choice for the show Are you the one? has not yet been revealed, and we can only hope that we are in for a pleasant surprise and a diverse cast.
The patriarchal Bachelor can be a difficult watch. Although this show is very popular, its entire concept and execution are somewhat outdated. In the twenty-first century, it's not entirely standard for women to have to fight over a man and flatter him selflessly. If you watch the show as a lover of drama and the bizarre, you will certainly enjoy it. If you're looking for something more and you really take advice from the roses to heart, it might be better to try a different form of entertainment.
Tinder instead of soulmates?
An app where you can choose your future partner. Sounds good. You already know what they look like, what they enjoy, what they stand for, and often even how tall they are. So what could go wrong?
People lie, and often they lie on Tinder as well. While you think you're going out with an animal lover, they barely hold it together not to flinch when they meet a dog. Let's take this with a bit of humor, but very similar cases have happened to many of us. But what dates from dating apps often lack is chemistry. Unfortunately, you can't really sense that through a screen. You're lucky, and your dream match is really nice. You get along, everything is good, but something still feels missing. Most likely, it will be the naturalness of regular getting to know someone, which unfortunately can't be easily replaced.
Dating platforms of any kind are great and quite often lead to the development of solid and loving relationships, but they are definitely not for everyone. Young people are not losing interest in building relationships; rather, they lack the authenticity of real-life dating. Online dating may not always be as fun as it seems at first glance.
Sources: author text
