Historical Timeline: 1970s-2000s

1970s: The feminism movement that began in the 1960s received greater support in the following decade. This affected dating habits because women were fighting more for their independence and wanted to be recognized to be different and just as capable as men. In 1973, the decision involving Roe vs. Wade was made. The concept of freedom of choice over pro-life changed the decisions made by many men and women involving unplanned pregnancies.

1980s: In the 1980s, gay rights became more widely accepted. More people were becoming more okay with the idea of homosexuals during this era. The immune virus, AIDS, was also discovered in the 1980s. The idea of a disease that was transmitted sexually probably caused a great change in the way people approached casual sex. Although AIDS was though of as a gay disease, it was still feared by heterosexuals and homosexuals.

1990s through 2009: Introduction of the internet happened in the 90s. This is obviously very important because it changed dating tremendously. Online dating was introduced as well as social networking sites. It is important to understand that the ability to communicate via email and messenger sites changed dating because people did not have to meet and get together to communicate. Also, the cell phone was introduced. Texting sexual messages to people or naked pictures to people became the new fad (sexting), and it brought about more promiscuity. Internet porn, more sexually explicit television and music, raunchy music videos...this is the era of sex, not romance.

-A. Merchant