The use of technology has not only increased in everyday life, but it has also made a huge impact  in the dating world. For long distance relationships, specifically, the frequent use of technology has provided comfort to many couples. As mentioned in “The Couples Who Sleep Together Over Videochat,” Facetime or Videochat has been one of the most useful tools in maintaining this type of relationship, and in many ways, its use “can provide a sense of comfort.” Comparing to my relationship of 4 years, we use Facetime on the daily basis; it is abnormal if we do not Facetime. When we aren’t able to Facetime, due to poor connection, we have phone calls as we’re out and about. Obviously, it is impossible to Facetime or have a regular phone call all day long, especially when you both have classes, work, family, and so on, but the point is to communicate when you are able to. Sometimes you need to make time to do so and give up doing something else, but that’s where commitment plays in. If it seems like a hassle to you, then it probably isn’t worth it to you. Ultimately, the idea of sleeping while keeping Videochat running has provided the most comfort among LDR couples because it provides the idea of sleeping in the same bed. You can see each other if you wake up in the middle of the night, you can hear them breathing, and such. Videochatting is a great way to lessen the “absence of touch” and intimacy. Testing that use in my relationship, I definitely support and encourage.

Not only has Videochatting taken a huge role in LDR’s, but other forms of technology have as well. The new rise of Bond Touch Bracelets have made the idea of no physical communication almost evaporate. If you’ve never heard of Bond Touch Bracelets, they are designed to make individuals “be together, even when you’re apart.” They cost approximately $98, and can be purchased in a variety of colors. You wear them around your wrists, and it allows you to send physical messages to your loved one. All you have to do is touch the bracelet, which then sends a vibration to the other person, letting them know you are thinking about them. The “Bond Touch Bracelets and the new frontiers of Digital Dating” article goes on to tell us that “these users seem less concerned with simulating touch or affection than with communicating when they don’t have access to their phone.” I have not yet personally tried this technology, but I think it is such an interesting idea and could be quite useful, especially if you haven’t been able to talk much throughout the day, have poor cellular service, or are in a situation where you can’t let your loved one know that you are okay and that you are still with them. Essentially, I think, depending on how far apart your relationship is, such as if you have a time difference or maybe one person is in the military and can’t talk as much, a Bond Touch Bracelet is perfect for you, but for maybe a LDR for someone who has only moved away for college, I don’t think spending this much money is worth it. I’d rather spend that money on plane tickets, but every situation and every relationship is different. 

It is quite clear that technology has made its impact in the dating world, and while some find it be untraditional and more difficult, for a LDR it  has made the distance less disheartening and increased its success.