As we move into a new decade, here are a few of the sex and dating trends I predict we’ll see.
GREEN SEX
The greening of sex went mainstream in 2009 with LifeStyles SKYN Condom, a non-latex condom made from polyisoprene, an ancient material that apparently the Aztec harvested from the sap of the hevea tree to make waterproof boots. Toronto-based sisters Kim and Amy Sedgwick will continue this trend thanks to the support of Liberal MP and physician Carolyn Bennett in a campaign to have BPA and phthalates (two known endocrine disruptors) banned from sex toys.
MORE SEX DRUGS
Thanks to the huge popularity of erectile dysfunction drugs like Viagra, the race is on to develop drugs to treat other sexual problems such as premature ejaculation and “female sexual dysfunction.” Eventually they’ll come up with a drug that will simply simulate sex entirely, taking the performance pressure off everyone.
CELEB SEX CHANNELS
Thanks to our continuing fascination with the sex lives of our politicians, sports figures and celebrities, we’ll no longer be satisfied with the occasional scandal or “leaked” sex tape. Entire specialty channels will be devoted to airing the sex lives of the rich and famous.
MATCHMAKING MEETS SCIENCE
Pseudo-scientifically based matchmaking will be the next big rip-off, I mean trend, in matchmaking. Scientificmatch.com claims to be one of the first online dating sites to use DNA testing in creating dating matches using a cheek swab test. The site says a better biological match means “better sex, less cheating, and perhaps even healthier children.” Hey, and if you actually like each other, bonus.
NON-HUMAN DATING
First there was the Japanese husband who confessed to his wife that he had a virtual girlfriend, a character from an addictive Nintendo DS game called Love Plus. Then, another Japanese guy married his Love Plus girlfriend in front of a live audience, an emcee, the bride’s virtual video game girlfriend — who made a speech — and a priest (a real, live, human one). He even took her on a honeymoon to Guam. Well, he took his Nintendo DS to Guam, that is. With the sophistication of robot technology on the horizon, expect to see plenty more non-human “dating.”
THE RETURN OF OLD-FASHION DATING
In reaction to the rise of more technology-driven approaches to dating and matchmaking, expect to see a movement back to good old-fashioned courtship and romance. In fact, Vancouver-based slowdancenights.com has begun holding single’s events where they play nothing but slow dancing music all night long.
Stairway to Heaven anyone?
Happy New Year.
