The technological revolution has changed every aspect of our lives in the last decade. From changing the way we work to changing the way we communicate the ever-expanding use of gadgets has led to some pretty interesting behaviors.

I recently read an article, I believe on cnn.com, which highlighted a new cell phone app that helps people hook up. This is DEFINITELY not your grandma’s phone application. Using the GPS capabilities of a smart phone you can see the location of other singles (prospectively) in your area who are available and willing to hook up. I’m all for technology and the way it sometimes brings people together, but I’m not so sure about the safety of such an app. Some of the touted merits of such an application make sense. For instance, you can tell who else in a bar or social venue is single and available – it’s a bit like have live dating sites on your phone. But do the perks outweigh the negatives? Apparently part of the “fun” of the application is that you can meet a completely random person for what is sure to be completely random sex or interaction, so long as you’re a member of the site or app. Maybe I’m old-school, but this gives me flashbacks of my dad telling me never to give out my physical location online, so not to be targeted by predators.

Which begs the next question, what about teens using this technology? I’m not a user of any of these apps myself, but I imagine that it’s no more difficult for a teenager to access this app than it is for them to access online pornography. Simply click “I solemnly swear I’m not under 18” and you’re in! In short, I see the up-sides of the app, but tend to lean more towards classic human interaction as a way of meeting (and screening!) potential partners.