An Examination of Online and Offline Flirting and Gender

The 21st century has revolutionized the way we interact with others and view the world; technology made it is easier to communicate, network, and even flirt with others. Computers transformed themselves into becoming the new “cupid” via instant messaging, chat-rooms and online dating in which flirting is easier in these spaces. Also the rise of social networking sites even made it possible to find a significant other; for example, my friend met his current girlfriend of six months through Facebook. However, there are still remnants of traditional flirting in the sense where we still meet people who attracts us at common locations, such as a bar or party. Both offline and online flirting have similar goals of starting and following a sexual and/or romantic relationship with other people; but simultaneously, they have different approaches in meeting new people. With the use of my interview, I am going to analyze the male and female perspective of flirting online and offline and the many opportunities and restrictions that correspond with flirting. Although the ways we flirt have changed dramatically, ideas of gender has not: both in the past and present, men seek physical attractiveness in a partner whereas women seek financial stability. Additionally, I will further examine the double standard of gender and how it stagnantly remains unaffected in today’s society and its effect on how one approach and flirts with another.

There are many opportunities in flirting online as well offline in which they have similar attitudes and tactics when talking to others. Flirting often involves an “erotic energy” between two people escalated by “alcohol, music, attractive people, and sexy outfits” (Hamilton & Armstrong 605). Both my male and fem...

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...partake in such websites are looking, pursuing, and wanting a sexual relationship as well. Although the way people flirt have transformed, the beliefs of gender and flirting have not changed at all. Gender is the most problematic issue with flirting due to stereotypes and the sexual double standard that remains immobile and biased is still present in comparison to previous years; the motives of online and offline flirting continuously portrays the stereotype of “men are attracted to beauty and women are attracted to money” and how the double standard also prevents women have any entitlement to their sexual freedom in meeting new sexual partners. Regardless of such issues, flirting is a common activity conveyed by high-students to the newly divorce and can be seen anywhere in today’s society giving everybody the opportunity of developing new relations with others.