A lot of paranormal romances take place in our modern world or just a few decades in the future. This means that technology will play a part in the plot. Characters stay connected with the ease of cell phones and blackberries. A lonely protagonist might try to meet her true love online. A couple might have a fight over a status update on Facebook or a misunderstood tweet. Many people are reliant on technology in their normal every day lives.
The most recent
Harlequin Romance Report found some interesting tidbits. Here are some of their findings that snagged my attention:
Of all the social media networks, Facebook had the highest percentage of users across all age groups. Those who identified themselves as "heavy Facebook users" (10 hours per week or more) place higher importance (61%) on their love life than occasional Facebook users.
89% of women surveyed spend most of their time on Facebook reading about other people's lives.
52% of women surveyed use Facebook as a research tool to find out information about a prospective first date.
Surprisingly, 52% of women surveyed aged 25 to 35 have never participated in online dating.
43% of all respondents admitted to "sexting" – sending a text message containing suggestive and highly explicit sexual language. Though 65% of those women will "sext" only while in a serious relationship, 36% of casual daters polled admit to sending a risqué message after just a few dates. Twenty-seven percent of all respondents had sent nude photos via emails or text messages.
Of the top 5 factors women respondents listed as "deal breakers," 3 were technology-related: - Too needy (32%)
- Dependence on a BlackBerry/ iPhone (31%)
- Having too many Facebook photos with an ex-girlfriend (29%)
- Grammatically challenged (24%)
- Married to his work/ still lives with his parents (20%)
Though 91% of women believe the dating rules have become more flexible, the majority still want the man to ask them out, to pay for the first date, and to hold the door for them. The majority also feel pressure to be married or in a committed relationship.
The paranormal element of the story can add twists to the technological. Imps in the machines, gadgets powered by magic, or the dead communicating through email. The possibilities are endless.
Romance is also greatly changed by technology. There are several new ways to woo a potential lover, to have an argument, or to find out about that mysterious and hot guy.
How do you think romance has been changed by technology?
Please join me tomorrow when
Cherie Reich is stopping by and chatting about how to run a book blog tour.
