Situationships: Have Algorithms Killed Romance?

American author Matthew Gasda analyzes the evolution of romantic relationships, arguing that they have transformed into a form of market due to algorithms and dating apps.

According to Gasda, the period from 1965-2012 marked a significant change in American romance, but after 2010, algorithms began to play a decisive role, influencing our choices in ways reminiscent of pre-modern rules.

Gasda points out that dating apps use Elo scores, follower counts, and filters to measure attractiveness and social appeal, regulating the way we think and feel.

He also mentions that the film "Blue Valentine" (2010) marks a shift, where free romantic choice between social classes leads to tragedy. In modern times, romance is less about love and more about social status and success.

Gasda argues that the economy of "situationships" is a return to a caste-like system, where freedom of choice is limited and reality is grimly deterministic.

Finally, he notes that the liberalization of the economy and romance has led to a sense of submission to algorithms and social logic, losing the fantasy of finding a partner beyond economic classes.