WHAT ever happened to love at first sight?

Today’s generation is often said to be less hedonistic than their parents, and less likely to drink and engage in casual sex. Today, Millennials – a term given to those born in the 90s – are adapting to the technological climate we live in, and thus looking to modern ways of finding ‘the one’.

Dating before the internet era is a fascinating concept, and one that is looked at by today’s generation with quizzical remarks.

While it remains possible to be struck by love at first sight in the middle of a bar or club, the idea of finding a life-long partner by chance at a party today is considered unsafe and old-fashioned by some.

Online dating was initially revolutionised by eHarmony and Match.com in the early 2000s. Having come to the fore over the past 10 years, dating apps such as Tinder and Bumble now mean finding love has arguably never been easier where terms such as “swipe right” and “super like” have become engraved in the dating language.

The rise of the dating industry has meant billions of people are using dating apps, and individuals are now faced with a myriad of options to charm with their chirpse.

When searching through dating apps, there’s a Narnia-like revelation of the unheard and unknown. In fact, there’s a dating app for everyone. Interested in meeting fellow dog owners? Try Twindog. Have facial hair or want to date those who do? Download Bristlr.

Academic dating researcher, Rachel Katz, said participants in this love-matching game are looking for personality, values and authenticity when flicking through the pictures of a potential partner.

Despite the immense popularity of apps within the data industry, there still seems to be a stigma surrounding people who meet up from them.

Couples often try their best to romanticise how they met up, neglecting to mention how their love stemmed from a simple swipe right, and the dozens of failed attempts in the past.

A recent Radio 1 Newsbeat survey showed that more than a quarter of the 2,066 people questioned who use dating apps have formed a long-term relationship or a marriage as a result.

However the results also suggested that despite the thousands of users and the millions of pounds being pumped into these relationship making machines, dating apps are the least preferred way to meet someone new – despite around half of 16 to 34 year olds using them.

Dating apps don’t come without controversy. Those using the apps can soon become bored and frustrated with the incessant swiping and inevitable rejections. The lack of success or realistic relationship prospects has also been reported to have an impact on the mental health of some users.

Beyond the smartphone, TV matchmaking is now a common fixture on our screens week in, week out.

The 80s and 90s phenomenon Blind Date captured the hearts and minds of the public, and inspired thousands of singletons to find love.

Then came the Isle of Fernandos, Paddy McGuinness and his ‘No Likey, No Lighty’ shtick on Take Me Out. While Love Island will be passed off as reality trash by some, First Dates – now in hits 14th series – goes one step further by allowing the viewing public to see past the awkward conversations and into the personal lives of strangers each week.

The dating revolution poses the question: Has technology helped or hurt dating?

I guess there’s only one way to find out...