The world is changing. Technology is seeping into every corner of our lives and in particular our hearts. The idea of meeting someone online for a date in the 90’s conjured thoughts of serial killers like Mike Myers sporting a chainsaw, or a creepy stalker with his magazine paper cut outs (if you don’t understand the reference, you are way too young to appreciate this article). 

Now, if you say you met your beloved anywhere other than the big digital space that we call the internet, you’re the exception. Sites like Tinder have really set a precedent that sees people spending more time swiping left in the search for a hookup, than they do in local bars. 

For some, it's merely a numbers game. The more matches you accept, the more likely you are to get a date. For others, however, it’s a safety net, a comfort blanket that enables one to put their best foot forward, plan and rehearse their approach while hiding a safe distance. For those that aren’t flourishing in the confidence department, the internet has provided a much more level playing field. You no longer have to be seen trying to perfect your dance moves like a riflebird during mating season, and all the more, while standing to that guy that’s taller and better looking than you (from your perspective, perhaps). In other words, online dating removes the sense of direct competition and that brings a lot of comfort to many. 

But, what of those that still struggle to connect? What about the people that find it hard to communicate or express their interest, or just simply can’t hold a conversation well enough to get a date? Well, the good old digital era has found a solution for them too. 

Did you know that in Japan, dating has been on the decline for decades? Japanese men seem to be showing less and less interest in sex or intimate relationships, and some experts note this as a social concern. For every problem the world and in particular, technology has a solution, and you might think that a Japanese equivalent of Tinder would be the way forward, but actually, the solution of choice is somewhat surprising - a digital girlfriend.

That’s right, you read that correctly. The Japanese released LovePlus, a computer game for the hand-held Nintendo DS, which allows users to create a girlfriend using a digital Avatar of your choice. The game provides you with multiple-choice options, so you can decide when to see her, when to take her out, and when to be, well, as intimate as one can with a computer game. All communication between the player and the virtual GF is pre-programmed, so again, you are just selecting from a menu of options. 

It’s really simple and appears to be effective because some men have claimed to actually fall in love with their virtual girlfriends, one even marrying them. No one knows how they consummated the marriage, but let's assume that it involved another hand-held activity, which brings us to our next topic - porn! 

Again, with Japan leading the way, anime porn, which is centred around animated characters, is really driving in popularity, even in the west. Anime related experiences are also on the rise with women dressing up as anime characters on and off camera, but how does that help men, particularly in Japan, where they have a preference of enjoying love and intimacy in the virtual world? or perhaps, an unmistakable phobia of the real world? 

Actually, the good old internet has found a way to overcome, or come over this - virtual reality porn! 

Badoink VR porn is one site that has managed to bridge between the real world experience and a digital one. There are only a handful of sites that cater for this niche with such crisp quality, whilst ensuring that the experience is as life-like as you can realistically expect, while playing hand-solo. And, if you insist on keeping it animated, don’t sweat just yet, there is a cosplay VR alternative ready and waiting for you. 

Although, it's not something recommended, one could actually substitute their real life girlfriend for a digital one and there’s no doubt that it's probably just as common as sushi in Japan. Virtual reality is taking the world by storm and the available experiences are becoming numerous. You can create your own avatar and place yourself as the receiver of her pleasure, so LovePlus fans can really take their relationship to third base. If that is not enough, you can buy new toys that can be synced with your virtual girlfriend, so you can feel her every move in real time.

With toys and experiences like this, it's hard to imagine why anyone will ever need to leave the house again, but let’s not wish for another lockdown, just in case.