It is no secret that Americans are in love with the idea of love. Television programs such as Millionaire Matchmaker and The Bachelor enthrall the masses and bring viewers to tears. While not everyone can find true love on a reality show, singles still have a wide variety of options when looking to meet new people. From speed dating, to dimly lit bars, to church functions, people seek out love in all corners of their lives. One of the most common forms of courtship, however, has been exponentially gaining momentum and criticism in recent years: dating apps. The less-than-stellar reputation that dating apps have obtained largely centers around the idea that they have “killed romance”, an assertation that has been made by a variety of news sources and public figures over the past decade. While these critiques make catchy headlines, they could not be further from the truth. Dating apps are not hindering true love, but rather helping to share it with millions in a more efficient way than ever before by allowing for new types of romantic expression, allowing more personality-driven dating, and by creating connections between kindred souls who may have otherwise never even met. Continue reading...