The End Of Commitment
Image Courtesy: Instagram
Recently, I've noticed that most people in my life, including myself, have started to associate relationships with disgust and annoyance. The internet is filled with confessions about the frustrations of modern dating, and it seems the rose-colored glasses we once wore in relationships are starting to fade. At this point, there's little benefit to modern dating. Sure, we enjoy the emotions and experiences relationships bring, but if we can find those same fulfilling qualities elsewhere in life, why spend time revolving your life around someone else? If you can get those same benefits with less effort, less stress, and less money from other areas—why bother with the hassle of a relationship? It's okay to feel this way, and it's okay to question the current state of dating.
Not only has the internet been pointing out how dissatisfying dating has become, but it also falls back on the data. There is a drastic shift in how Americans approach relationships, especially with the rise of online dating. According to Pew Research, about 45% of adults who use dating apps struggle to find meaningful connections. Sure, dating apps will show you more people in your area – but that does not mean there are more valuable connections there. There is a growing mindset of convenience over commitment; the ease of swiping on hundreds of profiles offers instant gratification. Why commit when there's always someone new just a swipe away? Too many choices can make it hard to pick anything, let alone stay committed to one option.
There is no clear benefit to modern dating anymore. Yes, we love the feelings that relationships can provide—the companionship, the excitement, the intimacy—but if those same benefits can be found elsewhere in life, why invest so much time and energy into someone else? Why waste your resources revolving your life around another person when you can achieve similar happiness through friendships, hobbies, or solo pursuits? If the emotional returns don't justify the effort, it's no surprise that fewer people are willing to commit.
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This shift is rising in Gen Z, redefining what a fulfilled life looks like. Independence and personal growth is important to this generation, and they are dedicated to building their careers, cultivating creative passions, and achieving personal happiness. Romantic relationships, which might have been considered essential for previous generations to get through life and to live, are no longer the end goal for many of the Gen Z population. Close friendships, personal projects, and even the joy of solitude become the beacons of fulfillment. Gen Z places mental health as the top priority, and if happiness can be achieved without the emotional weight of commitment, it is an obvious choice for many.
A culture focused on self-growth isn't harmful but does pose challenges to traditional relationships. When individuals are preoccupied with personal development, they may find it harder to dedicate time to building a lasting relationship. Self-improvement and romantic involvement are not mutually exclusive but compete for time and energy. This self-focus can lead to a dating pool filled with people more interested in their journeys than in building something with someone else.
With the decline in traditional commitments, alternative relationship models have taken center stage. Open relationships, situationships, and casual dating are more accepted now than ever before, allowing people to enjoy connections without the pressure of long-term commitment. These new norms give individuals the freedom and flexibility to focus on themselves while still exploring romantic or sexual relationships on their own terms. As these models gain popularity, it becomes clear that the definition of a "successful" relationship is evolving, liberating individuals to shape their own romantic narratives.
The dating landscape in 2024 is drastically different from even a decade ago. With dating apps leading to more frustration than fulfillment, and an increasing emphasis on personal independence, long-term commitment appears to be fading from the cultural norm. However, this shift also presents an opportunity for personal growth and self-discovery. While it's still too early to say whether this shift is a temporary reaction to our modern, fast-paced lives, it's clear that we are redefining what relationships mean.
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Strike Out,
Jessica Giraldo
Editor: Maya Kayyal
Jessica Giraldo is the Editor-In-Chief of Strike Magazine STA. She loves mint oreos, her best friend would even describe her aura as “cheetah print”, check her out @jessica.giraldo on Instagram, and follow @strikemagazinesta.
