In a time in which the flood of social media has changed every corner of life with its attractiveness for consumerism, even aspects such as personal relationships have not been left unaffected. While offering new connections, it has also brought its own challenges. We find ourselves stuck in a web of desires, constantly in pursuit of something—or someone—newer, better, and more fulfilling. This unwavering pursuit, potentially driven by the values of consumerism, has resulted in quite profound changes as to how relationships are seen and pursued. What does this mean for the concept of love and commitment? Are we genuinely scared of commitment, or are we simply products of a consumer-driven world?

Firstly, social media has altered the way we connect with others, offering endless possibilities for interaction. On one hand, it has given us opportunities to meet and engage with people from all walks of life. On the surface, this seems like a good thing. The issue lies in the inundation of “perfect” images of others’ lives and bodies, fostering a belief that there's always something better out there, leading many to question the value of their current lives and relationships. Similarly, the principles of consumerism, glorify the constant pursuit of more—of the next best thing. This mindset has affected human relationships. The parallels between consumerism and modern dating could be drawn to some extent; just as we crave the newest fashion trend or the latest iPhone, we've begun to view relationships through a similar lens—always looking for the next best thing and fearful of missing out on someone potentially better. Similarly, fast fashion has sparked a constant cycle of purchasing and discarding, influencing our personal lives as well, driven by the desire for the "new" and "improved." This has brought a new approach to relationships, one marked by a lack of exclusivity, under which commitment to one partner is viewed as limiting our options. This approach is akin to settling for last year's smartphone model when the latest version promises better features. Combining consumerist principles with social media suddenly provides us with endless alternatives and possibilities, with every click or swipe exposing another more appealing potential partner, as if they were better than the previous one. This allure creates the paradox of infinite choices, a narrative that mocks the notion of settling down and committing to one partner as old-fashioned and monotonous. 

In the modern era, this cycle of consumption and disposal undermines the depth and stability that comes with long-term commitment, replacing it with a transient satisfaction that quickly fades and leaves us wanting more. The “hook-up” culture was born. This culture—potentially a byproduct of the social and economic factors—has significantly altered the landscape of relationships and perceptions of commitment. The invention of "talking stages," which can stretch over months without evolving into commitment, is a testament to the prevailing fear of missing out on something better. This fear, deeply ingrained in the psyche of the modern dater, has not only weakened the essence of intimacy but has also led to the erosion of certain traditional values that once served as the backbone of relationships. The focus on casual encounters has led to a decline in the importance of lasting relationships, reflecting the transient nature of consumerist desires and societal reluctance to engage in committed relationships. Relationships are increasingly seen as disposable, easily traded in for a newer model when the initial excitement fades. As a result, many are unwilling to invest in meaningful relationships. I believe this shift has contributed to a colder, more distant society, where genuine connections are rare and emotional depth is often sacrificed for convenience and superficiality, leading to a decline in the importance of strong, lasting relationships and a shift towards a transactional view of not only love but friendship too. 

The question remains: Are we truly afraid of commitment, or are we merely victims of a society that values the temporary over the enduring? As I sit here and reflect on the impact of hook-up culture on our relationships, I am concerned about the significant transformation in how we view intimacy and connections, and how this has reshaped our expectations of relationships. It's not just about a phobia of commitment but about a broader societal change where the transient interactions are promoted over meaningful, lasting bonds, influencing our attitudes towards others and leading us to prioritize brief encounters.