Love Then, Now, and What’s Next

By Elke Porter | WBN News Global | May 3, 2025

Once upon a time, finding love meant flipping through actual binders—pages filled with hopeful profiles, complete with smiling photographs and handwritten aspirations. Matchmakers, both formal and informal, organized these books of love, allowing potential suitors to "accept" or "reject" with a pen mark or a phone call. It was slow, intentional, and deeply human.

Fast forward to today, and the binder has gone digital. Platforms like Plenty of Fish, Tinder, and Bumble have gamified the search for love. With a simple swipe, users make split-second decisions. The convenience is unmatched, but so is the competition. Dating apps have transformed romance into a multi-billion-dollar industry. As of 2024, the global online dating market is valued at over $10 billion, driven by subscriptions, algorithms, and the sheer human longing for connection.

As a Gen-Xer, I recently had my hair cut by a Gen-Z stylist, and we got talking about love. She met her boyfriend on Hinge, while I recalled the binder days—handwritten bios, a few glossy photos, and the thrill of flipping pages to see who might be next. We laughed about the differences but also marvelled at how much things had changed in just a generation. We realized that if dating has evolved this dramatically already, what might be next when today's kids—Generation Alpha or Generation Beta—grow up?

In the not-so-distant future, dating websites might be replaced entirely. Why spend time swiping when artificial intelligence could analyze your personality and preferences to generate your perfect partner? Robotic companions with emotional intelligence, physical realism, and even “customized chemistry” might one day be found in retail stores, waiting to be chosen like items on a shelf labelled “True Love.”

Love has always impacted the economy. From lavish weddings and honeymoon travel to therapy and dating services, entire industries revolve around our desire for companionship. Romance novels, too, continue to generate over a billion dollars annually, proving that the fantasy of love still sells—even when reality falls short. And when that happens, as of recent estimates (2023–2024), divorce is also a multi-billion-dollar industry, particularly in countries like the United States.

Whether through a binder, a swipe, or a humanoid bot, one truth remains: love is a powerful force that adapts with every generation. And no matter the format, it keeps shaping our world, one heart—and dollar—at a time.

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Connect with Elke at Westcoast German Media or on LinkedIn: Elke Porter or contact her on WhatsApp: +1 604 828 8788