5 Good (and Bad) Ways Google Affects Your Relationship

Although it hasn’t been that long since Google has been around, many of us don’t remember what it is like to date without it. Why, many of us rely on Google when we decide to enter the world of online dating.

Let’s take a walk down memory lane and see how Google has changed the way we date.

1. You can learn a lot about a person even before the first date.

Thanks to Google, you can learn so much about a person before you even officially meet one another. You can learn what he does for a living, what he looks like, where he lives — why you can even get his credit score if you are willing to shell out a bit of money! Although you may feel slightly like a stalker by finding out so much about him, it can help you discover what he likes and a glimpse into his past.

Keep in mind that Google won’t tell you everything you need to know about this person. You’ll still have to hear them sing off key in the car to see that he has a sense of humor and doesn’t take himself too seriously.

2. You can check to see if they have a criminal history.

Even if you may have hung out with this person a few times, you still may want to check out the person you’ve been seeing. Did you know that approximately 43 percent of Americans still research the people they come in contact with like potential dates? Why, they even search for significant others as well as exes! By searching for the person you may be hanging out with, you can see if he is on anyone’s Wanted list, if he is a sex offender, or convicted of any other crimes.

3. Your secrets aren’t secrets anymore.

Just like you can Google your potential date, they can Google you. So if that means you did some things on Spring Break that you weren’t so proud of when you were in college, your date can find it. Think of Google as a double-edged sword—it can be a great tool, but it can also be your worst enemy.

4. You will never lose contact with anyone.

Thanks to Google, there are so many different ways that you can keep in touch with the people in your life. You can use Gmail, GChat, and Google+ Hangouts to keep the lines of communication alive and well.

As wonderful as these lines of communications may be, it can also be a downfall because some people rely on these technological means of communication rather than picking up a phone and calling.

5. No matter what question you may have about dating, you can have the answer within seconds.

Who should pay on the first date? Is it okay to make the first move? When should we sleep together?

Any question you may have regarding dating (or anything else for that matter) can be answered within a few moments. Before Google, you sort of just had to wing it, but now? You can go on your date without that question lingering in the back of your mind.