I agree, the whole section on the date felt really weird to me. Like the author was putting in significant effort to emulate some form of artistic writing style for effect, but badly missing the mark.
The later sections look like they are trying to be an argument about why dating services (and other changes) are a problem. Unfortunately, rather than any attempt to use fact, it is an argument from emotion, and not of any of the forms of emotion based arguments that seem to actually work, but more of an excuse to "wax poetic".
> Avoiding opportunities to develop courage is a terrible idea. Bravery is more important than other qualities of body and mind because it is the cornerstone of a well-lived life. ...
Um... what? that is a hell of a claim, and the author treats it as completely self-evident.
He then goes on to talk about romance in a similar fashion. This time, there there is a point there.
"Dating" apps tend to devolve quickly into into hookup apps. Which of course are not romantic. But then again, neither is going out to the bar/club/etc looking for a one night stand. Furthermore, none of those apps were optimizing for romance anyway. The entire design of Tinder for example is shallow. Photos front and center, rest of the profile hidden below the fold. Encourages being completely shallow and swiping primarily based on appearance.
> emulate some form of artistic writing style for effect
No, this is just how I write...
> it is an argument from emotion
It is my personal experience.
> that is a hell of a claim, and the author treats it as completely self-evident.
The next two sentences clarify why I make this claim: "Courage enables us to uphold other virtues, and it is the defining factor of potential: much of the difference between what your life is and what it could be comes down to your valor in trying moments." Sure, there isn't a "data-based approach here," but maybe you can catch my drift...?
> neither is going out to the bar/club/etc looking for a one night stand
Agree with this. I could have expanded on it more, but I wanted to limit the piece to dating apps.
> none of those apps were optimizing for romance anyway
This is the problem: everyone uses them; they take away romance; culture without romance no good.
The later sections look like they are trying to be an argument about why dating services (and other changes) are a problem. Unfortunately, rather than any attempt to use fact, it is an argument from emotion, and not of any of the forms of emotion based arguments that seem to actually work, but more of an excuse to "wax poetic".
> Avoiding opportunities to develop courage is a terrible idea. Bravery is more important than other qualities of body and mind because it is the cornerstone of a well-lived life. ...
Um... what? that is a hell of a claim, and the author treats it as completely self-evident.
He then goes on to talk about romance in a similar fashion. This time, there there is a point there. "Dating" apps tend to devolve quickly into into hookup apps. Which of course are not romantic. But then again, neither is going out to the bar/club/etc looking for a one night stand. Furthermore, none of those apps were optimizing for romance anyway. The entire design of Tinder for example is shallow. Photos front and center, rest of the profile hidden below the fold. Encourages being completely shallow and swiping primarily based on appearance.