How One 'Black Mirror' Episode Reflected The Reality Of Online Dating
Start writing a post
Relationships

How One 'Black Mirror' Episode Reflected The Reality Of Online Dating

Oh, the algorithms of love.

332
How One 'Black Mirror' Episode Reflected The Reality Of Online Dating
Gilles Lambert / Unsplash

December 29 meant sitting curled up on the couch and binge-watching six-plus hours of the new and anticipated season of "Black Mirror." If you are unfamiliar with "Black Mirror," it is a Netflix original show which explores modern society and the consequences of new technology. The new season had six new episodes ranging in times and themes.

However, one episode particularly stood out to me — “Hang the DJ.” The episode explores the idea of online dating, particularly, platforms such as Tinder. The episode points to the idea that individuals will put themselves through a variety of pleasant and unpleasant interactions if they are certain that their “perfect match” is waiting on the other side. The idea that individuals will give up certain aspects of their lives for a certain guarantee. Like Tinder, we use the app and it can lead us to become a bit obsessed in the off chance that there is a suitable partner somewhere within the algorithm.

In “Hang the DJ,” the characters use an automatic system referred to as “Coach,” which promises that after a series of dates, a perfect match will be found. The dates are arranged for different time periods. Some dates will last 36 hours, while the next date could last up to a year. Each date is meant to reveal to the user more about what they want and need from their perfect match.

Main characters Frank and Amy go on their first date with the new system which is meant only to last 12 hours. As the episode continues, both characters move from partner to partner for a variety of times learning more and more about what they want. You see character Amy craving more than just a physical relationship, but something more meaningful. Toward the end, coincidentally Frank and Amy end up back together but decide to not see how long they have with one another. Frank, anxious to know how long he has with someone he truly cares about, secretly looks without consent from Amy. The System punishes him for that moment of dishonesty by cutting their time together down from five years to 20 minutes.

Long story short, Frank and Amy rebel against the system’s restriction to be together. Of course, it would not be a "Black Mirror" episode if it didn’t have a major plot twist — we find out that the two characters are really a part of a bigger app in which real Frank and Amy use to find each other.

The episode helps tell us a haunting story not only about online dating but love. With the “system” portrayed in the episode, there is no fear of rejection, because the app chooses for you. The characters also know how long the date will last, therefore knowing how much emotional energy to exert. In today’s culture, we submit ourselves to these platforms because we may be afraid of love.

Dating apps give us a certain control and power over the situation. The episode helps explore the idea that we as humans are very lonely because of these apps, therefore we are afraid to reach out for what we want. However, the episode ends on a happy note. The two main characters are brought together because of the algorithm and now are starting a journey together. So, what is the creator of the episode really trying to show and teach us? We may never know.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

58213
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

37499
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

959133
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

193014
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments