Originally posted by LensBeginner ...how did we manage to get an idea of what the other person was like, before all that? we... talked?
Well, it's a relatively new, and maybe largely Western phenomenon, choosing your own spouse.
I suspect most marriages centuries ago were arranged, and probably still are in developing countries. Sensibly thought out cattle trading by families would be the justification. Information exchange between the kids concerned, even meeting them first? Optional!
Is romantic love just that - an aspiration? Dunno what comparing divorce rates can prove, very different societies are involved.
In any case, today's teenagers will go to the web to research everything … including the guy who gave his number at the party. He talked a lot, LensBeginner, but if true, a lot of what he said should be verified when the girl scrolls through his Instagram feed.
An impressive feed can pick up a lot of followers and the person becomes sought after by companies, an Influencer.
An Australian photographic example is Lauren Bath, who attracted so much attention she gets paid gigs to shoot content for hotels/resorts and tourism agencies in various countries.