The Rise of the 80's Dating Video
Dating in the 80s was vastly different than it is today. There were no dating apps, no swiping left or right, and no online dating sites. Instead, singles would place personal ads in newspapers, attend singles events, or rely on good old-fashioned blind dates. But in the mid-80s, a new trend emerged - the dating video.
What Were Dating Videos?
Dating videos were essentially short films created by single people looking for love. They would typically film themselves talking about their interests, hobbies, and what they were looking for in a partner. These videos were then distributed to local video dating services, which would compile them into a library for other singles to peruse.
The Appeal of Dating Videos
The idea behind dating videos was that they offered a more personal and authentic way to meet potential partners. Instead of relying on a brief written description or a photograph, singles could get a better sense of someone's personality and chemistry through their video.
Additionally, dating videos allowed singles to take control of their dating lives in a way that they hadn't been able to before. Instead of waiting for someone to respond to a personal ad or being set up on a blind date, they could actively search for compatible partners by browsing through the video library.
The Dos and Don'ts of Dating Videos
Like any form of dating, there were certain rules and guidelines that singles were expected to follow when creating their dating videos.
Do:
- Be yourself: The whole point of a dating video was to showcase your personality, so don't try to be someone you're not. Be genuine and honest about who you are and what you're looking for.
- Keep it short: Most dating videos were around two minutes long, so make sure you get your message across quickly and succinctly.
- Showcase your interests: Talk about your hobbies, passions, and interests. This will give potential partners a better sense of who you are and what you enjoy doing.
Don't:
- Be too revealing: While it's important to be honest, don't share too much personal information in your dating video. Keep things light and fun.
- Be negative: Avoid talking about past relationships or complaining about being single. Focus on the positive and what you're looking forward to in a future relationship.
- Be too scripted: While it's important to have an idea of what you want to say in your dating video, don't come across as too rehearsed or robotic. Let your personality shine through.
The Legacy of Dating Videos
While dating videos may seem like a relic of the past, their influence can still be felt today. The idea of showcasing your personality through multimedia has evolved into the world of online dating profiles, where users can upload photos and videos to showcase themselves.
Additionally, dating videos paved the way for reality TV shows like The Bachelor and Love Island, which rely on similar concepts of showcasing personalities and chemistry for a romantic partner.
80's Dating Video
The 80s dating video may seem like a cheesy relic from the past, but its impact on the world of dating can still be felt today. By showcasing personalities and interests in a multimedia format, singles were able to take control of their dating lives in a new way. And while dating videos may no longer be in vogue, their legacy lives on in the world of online dating and reality TV romance.