[NovaHot1]

One of the themes I'm running with in my current home game is relationships. How do you guys suppose online dating works in 2075? Everyone is constantly broadcasting their SIN and social media data to anyone within 100 meters. Do you think that includes the Horizon MyDates(tm) profile or would that be a thing you might keep in a protected folder (requiring a commlink hack)?

[Sterling]

Well, if this is an Horizon branded product I would guess that to ensure only customers could see the profile it would be an encrypted link to the Horizon database that you are broadcasting.  Any valid customer (heh-heh) with the correct profile who was also broadcasting their link would be able to see your profile.

So, you have bought your 1st months subscription to MyDates.  You have set your preferred type and are broadcasting your profile.  Any other customer in range who has set your profile as their preferred type and who meets your preferred type would be able to see your full profile and contact details.  When setting your preferred type it could be as broad as "Orkish women" or as narrow as "Elven man into walks on the beach and Maria Mercurial".

Oh, and I swear this is off the top of my head.  I do not spend my time thinking about dating in the 6th world.

[Reaver]

Back in 4e (Data Trails I think) There is a Fluff piece about a guy that just got out of a long stint in jail, only to find that the matrix had changed to the Wireless network while he was inside. While the fluff goes on and on about how wonderful the "new" matrix was, there is also little comments about getting requests of dates from women and men that randomly viewed his (fake) profile that his buddy set up for him.

So, I imagine that if one chooses, all that info could be broadcast and could actually be part of the services offered by a 2070s dating site...

Horizion Date-o-Matic : "A member that matches your 'Idea mate' is with in 300 meters. Would you like me to Ping them to see if they can meet you for coffee at <Mmmm Good Coffee>, <StarSmucks>, or<Javajunkies>? <No/Yes>"

Or, for the cheap, or less computer savvy, they could just broadcast a "I'm lonely and looking for company" ARO as they walk down the street.

[Marzhin]

Or, for the cheap, or less computer savvy, they could just broadcast a "I'm lonely and looking for company" ARO as they walk down the street.

"Free Hugs" AROs. The first technological Horror.

[Senko]

Ironically there was a company making that kind of product several years ago (don't know what happened to it but I assume they failed) where you input all your data into the system and wore a little belt device. As you walked around if you came in range of other customers the belt device would light up little LED's to indicate how compatible with someone in the area. Perhaps an updated version that's an app in your hud showing some little icons depending on how suitable you are to the people you pass. Especially with the dating agent in the Nikdorf . . .

Beep, beep no no no these are all one red hearts bah BING oh 6 yellow lets get those DINGDINGDINGDINGDINGDINGDINGDINGDINGDINGDINGDING WOW a 10 green "TURN AROUND AND APPROACH THE BLOND IN THE BLACK DRESS" BWAPAA "NEVER mind . . . just keep walk, no no you idiot she's got a gun . . . bah humans you never listen to me."=

[SpellBinder]

I'd've thought that the online dating would've taken full advantage of the virtual environment ever since the first crash and VR became a reality.  Why try dating when you look like Homer Simpson in the real world when you can go to the virtual world and look like Tom Cruise?  Don't forget that full VR doesn't involve just sight and sound, but all five of your senses.

Not the pure text and thirty second response time like what we had twenty years ago, no Skype like what we have today, but full immersion where you can truly feel the person in your arms and all that.  That's my take of online dating in the sixth world.  Sure there's probably sites like eHarmony still running in the 2070's, but there are numerous VR bars and clubs you can go to as well.

[Senko]

Hmmm he smells like roses after exercising... Dater beware.

[Mr. Black]

I am with Spellbinder. The better question is, "When are people NOT online dating?" I can date anyone I want anywhere I want anytime I want. I can even risk a little VR and have (sigh) virtual sex. People are dating, talking, playing games through AR constantly, all the time, and everywhere. The mall, the park, the Stuffer Shack, etc. I often have characters slam into people who are too immersed in their AR games, or part of an AR flash mob. I may have to add someone making out with "air" next time. You know, next to the back door the party is trying to sneak through.

[Senko]

Hmmm hot sim program or agent porn?

[Mr. Black]

Either? Both? Hell, half the people out there aren't even "dating" humans. And no, I don't mean changelings or metahumans or "undead". I mean robots and programs. That ancient 2D movie Her sadly got a lot right.

[GLekter]

Interesting thought to reflect on. I know what my next essay will be about Romantic relationships have been on the decline for the last 2 decades. Especially the institution of marriage. People are not searching for commitment anymore because they're either too scared or trapped in their busy life. You can barely find love nowadays, imagine what will be like in 50 years. I think polygamy and the LGBTQ+ will become something normal and usual in society. Besides, most relationships will be online. I suspect people will spend a lot of time in their houses (just as they do now) and have no will to live anymore. They'll be trapped in the online world, not getting any real human interaction. And that's when the apocalypse will come.

[CanRay]