Many people seem to believe that the digital age invented casual sex, but we tend to disagree. In reality, we have been engaging in casual sex since our most prehistoric days. Humans have always gathered in social places such as taverns, bars, clubs, and pubs in hopes of meeting a desirable partner to get it on with. This is because sex is an instinctual animal desire which we all have in common – one which is even necessary for proper health. Building a strong, loving, relationship, however, usually comes second to this.

Regardless of if you’re looking for something a little more prehistoric or a little more refined, online dating can help you find it. The problem is that different platforms cater to different needs, but rest assured this article will help you find the platform that is right for you.

How the digital age made casual sex mainstream

While the digital age isn’t responsible for the invention of casual sex, we will admit that it has made it a little easier to come by. Before technology, not many people were so lucky to be engaging in the art of “hooking up”. Pick up lines didn’t always come out smooth and one couldn’t always tell whether or not they were about to hit on someone who was already in a relationship. We also tend to be a little less forward of our animalistic desires when face to face, but when screen acts as our middle man it seems that there’s nothing to lose.

The introduction of dating websites

In the mid 90’s, the first online dating services began to surface and the trend spread like wildfire. While it was more common for people to sign up with these platforms (e.g. Adult Friend Finder) in search of true love, casual hook ups had also become easier to come by. Denial no longer meant having a drink or slap thrown in your direction. Instead, users could simply shrug and look for someone else to share their animalistic desires with. The average person’s range of possibilities had grown significantly – it seemed as if there were always hundreds of potential partners within reach.

And then came the smartphone

Casual sex encounters really began to pick up with the introduction of smartphones and “friend finder” apps. These apps left personality quizzes and lengthy profile descriptions out of the equation to focus on the only things that really matter in a sex-based relationship – gender, age, and location. Most importantly, the process was simple, quick, and convenient, reflecting the exact qualities of a sex-based relationship. With a smartphone in hand, people could find a booty call similar to the way that they order a pizza. The people using these fast and convenient dating apps were almost always interested in the same thing and could even see who was “open for business” at that very moment.

And since smartphones made the online dating experience portable people could find a booty call no matter where they were or what they were doing.  The obstacle of carrying around bulky equipment such as a laptop or desktop computer no longer existed. Needless to say, the trend of dating apps spread even faster than online dating platforms.

But what method is best for you?

The answer is clear. Since the introduction of smartphone “friend finder” apps, those just looking for casual sex have deserted online dating platforms. Now, online dating platforms seem to be filled exclusively with people looking for a serious relationship while dating apps are loaded with people looking for their “quick fix”. Choose the medium with people looking for the same thing you are and you’re sure to find what you’re looking for.