Over the ages, our society has changed the definition of what dating means. In the early 20th century and during World War II, dating was about long-term friendships, love, marriage, and family. The essay “Dating as Competition” by Beth Bailey illustrates how dating over time has changed dramatically by making dating a competition. He argues that dating these days is about popularity, competition and no longer has any moral meaning and that both men and women tend to want to be seen with people who will boost their image. In society, many people build their reputation and popularity through cars, clothes, memberships in fraternities and sororities, and money. Being seen with someone who is equally popular with the same materialistic things will only increase your popularity. Through my experiences and observations, I recognize that dating has changed and no longer makes sense because people are dating for the wrong reasons. I've seen many of my own friends dating to improve their appearance. Many actors and actresses I admire also want to marry or date other famous people so they can show social media that their lives are just perfect. Not only are they rich and famous, but they also want to marry or date someone who is idolized by many, just like them. Which also increases their personal image. Additionally, social websites on the Internet are now designed to find partners that match their popularity. As a result, dating has changed and no longer has the same meaning as before. As a teenager, I saw many of my friends form many relationships, including myself. We are teenagers and tend not to know exactly what we want. A friend of mine caught my attention one day, I started questioning her and wondering about her relationship......middle of paper......them. They want to be seen with the person who makes them look good, for example my very close friend who dated someone to win prom queen. Dating someone day in and day out defeats the purpose of true love. Many people think that Kim Kardashian, the most beautiful model in our country and the best rapper Kanye West, are in love and married, but in reality they are constantly arguing and are not happy with each other. They are married for the wrong reasons. The media idolizes them as this couple they hope to become one day because they are both what many people dream of being rich and famous. Beth Bailey also describes how many people in our society care too much about the materialistic things that people have rather than what is important and valuable to find in someone. Therefore, this confirms that dating is now a competition and a representation of someone's self-image..