Yearning for young love is a customary aspect of the high school experience. 

Everyone wants to meet someone, and living in the digital age has made this aspiration even easier. 

Meeting’ online and pursuing digital relationships makes keeping in touch and developing connections effortless, but how much of this connection is genuine – and what could the drawbacks of these relationships be?

Understandably, couples want to stay connected as often as they can. Sometimes, though, this connection can begin to loosen as the difference in the way partners act in person versus over the phone becomes something to ponder.

Weatherford senior Abel Loya offered some insight into the contrast between the digital and physical in these relationships.

“Things are easier to say when you’re talking through a screen,” Loya said.

 Not only this, but many people even begin to feel pressured to move more quickly through relationships than they were comfortable with. When online, people can feel all too comfortable coercing their partners into uncomfortable or undesirable situations. 

Knowing your partner well, and setting concrete boundaries and expectations both in person and online can help young couples grow closer and develop more meaningful connections within their relationships. 

While there are certainly drawbacks of dating in the digital age, the communicational perks remain prominent. Staying aware and staying connected allows high school students to stay safe in online relationships and grow with their partners, no matter the physical status.