Clark uses Gidden's concept of "pure relationships" to evaluate the effects of Internet dating,

Question

and its impact upon changing dating culture.

Describe the concept of "pure relationships,"
and the extent to which Internet dating affects dating relationships.
What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Gidden describes "pure relationships" as a new form of adaptation to change in dating culture
that has occurred since the 1990s. Whereas the dating culture of the 1950s and 1960s was
based upon "in-depth" emotional commitments (called love) and pairing in relationships, the
pure relationship is more individualistic, and based upon self-gratification achieved through
affectional commitment (love). Pure relationships are trust between the persons rather than
kinship-based (commitment to family approval). He states "Persons are no longer constrained
in their selection of romantic partners by the social mores of their families or communities, but
are sought out and maintained solely for the gratifications they provide to the persons
involved."
Internet dating is reported to have very limited trust, because the partners are rarely sure
exactly who they are communicating with, and have quite limited intimacy (except perhaps
having personal fantasy intercourse). They can only go so far until partners have to resort to
face-to-face contact for the relationship to progress. It can provide contact with potential
partners and serve as a screening/sorting mechanism, as well as entertainment. It may also
allow persons to experiment with different personae, and allow early relationships to form that
are not based upon mental qualities rather than physical appearance. Thus, it could allow
some relationships to evolve that might be otherwise thwarted.