Research has shown that as a nation we are increasingly using technology to instigate contact with potential partners. Despite this initial contact occurring via non-traditional methods, the point at which individuals physically meet is still incredibly important. This is because it is at this stage that the chances of longevity in a romantic relationship increase.  Research has highlighted that one in five new relationships, and one in six new marriages occur between partners whose initial contact occurred via technology. In light of this information it can be inferred that a number of relationships start with an exchange via technology and it is this method of initial contact that is being discussed, with researchers attempting to understand how this method differs from traditional processes of romantic relationship development.

Although the prevalence of this method has increased there are other methods beyond technology which offer a far superior way to achieving that first initial contact with a potential partner, and one of these is matchmaking.  With carefully researched, exclusively tailored introductions which respond to your needs, the pathway to love is an easier one to follow. Despite the importance of great introductions, as they cultivate the initial communication between two individuals, once the initial contact has been established, by whatever means, partners must then determine which other forms of contact to pursue outside of the first message or phone call. Sometimes making this decision can take some time but in most cases it is advisable to meet potential partners face-to-face relatively quickly after the initial communication. It has been found that the point of first physical contact is important because it provides additional cues that could either enhance or diminish the perceptions each person has of the other (Finkel et al., 2012), and therefore helps daters assess their romantic relationship potential.

Therefore the sooner a couple transition from communication via technology to communicating in person, the more positive the interaction is between the potential partners and there is a decrease in the level of uncertainty (Ramirez & Wang, 2008). Research also proposes that despite immediate contact being via a message or telephone exchange, it is the point of face to face contact that solidifies the path the relationship will take - the confirmation of attraction occurs once two individuals have met. This means that even though the initial point of contact may be changing in this day and age, nothing compares to that physical moment when two individuals’ eyes meet, and you know whether there may be a path to follow and a story ready to be written.

References

Finkel, E. J., Eastwick, P. W., Karney, B. R., Reis, H. T., & Sprecher, S. (2012). Online dating a critical analysis from the perspective of psychological science. Psychological Science in the Public Interest, 13(1), 3-66.

Ramirez, A., & Wang, Z. (2008). When online meets offline: An expectancy violations theory perspective on modality switching. Journal of Communication, 58(1), 20-39.