Social Media and Modern Dating

Written By Alicia Vial

Social media has changed how we connect with each other and that includes dating. For Valentine’s Day we wanted to dive into the role social media has in modern dating including some tips on what not to do.

Let’s talk about how social media has changed dating. Dating has obviously evolved from traditional methods to digital platforms. The role of dating apps such as Tinder, Bumble and Hinge have changed how people meet.

The shift in dating culture has only been heightened by social media – the speed and accessibility you have to personal information on a potential date is much faster and easier now than it used to be. Social media sites like Facebook also allow you to “update” your relationship status – which can put pressure on individuals if they are “not ready” to announce their couple to their online world.

So what are some do’s or don’ts of social media dating?

Do:

  • List your relationship status as single on social media to let potential dates know you’re available

  • Share interests and activities you enjoy like posting photos of hiking or biking, that way potential dates know what you like and would enjoy doing

  • Check out their profile and see if you have mutual friends and to learn about their personality.

Don’t:

  • Overshare details of your dates on social media

  • Complain or be negative about dates on your social media. Yes, it is a platform where some love to rant but that may turn off potential dates in the future if they see your feed full of complaints.

  • Jump to conclusions based on posts or photos you see – just because someone is photographed with someone else does not mean there is a romantic connection there.

  • Add or follow them on social media before your first date – unless you met on social media of course – otherwise it may be a bit premature and turn off some.

Alicia Vial

Alicia Vial is a New Orleans native with more than a decade of experience elevating client stories and leading crisis response. As the senior director of strategy, Alicia acts as a leader within the Gambel Communications team ensuring each agency team member is positioned to deliver strategic public relations services that meet the highest standards of the industry. In addition to supporting the agency’s long-term business growth and development, she coordinates day-to-day account services and oversees strategic direction while staying abreast of best practices and industry trends to provide innovative solutions to meet client’s needs.

Before joining Gambel Communications, Alicia served as the communications director for the Louisiana SPCA, the oldest and largest animal welfare organization in Louisiana that impacts more than 74,000 animals per year. During her nearly eight-year tenure, Alicia oversaw numerous crises, served on national communication taskforces, oversaw all aspects of internal and external relations and worked alongside the development department to raise critical funding. Prior to that, she worked in the fast-paced New Orleans hospitality industry focusing on digital public relations for multiple hotels.

Alicia is a member of the Public Relations Association of Louisiana (PRAL), Southern Public Relations Federation (SPRF), a board member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) New Orleans Chapter and a member of the New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute. An accredited public relations practitioner (APR), Alicia is also certified in crisis communications, organizational leadership, content marketing and social media.

A well respected and trusted public relations practitioner, Alicia has been recognized by SPRF as a ‘Senior Practitioner of the Year’. Dubbed early on in her career as one to watch, she also received the ‘Rising Star’ award by PRAL and was profiled in St. Charles Avenue Magazine as part of their Young Bloods series. Most recently, she was recognized at PRSA’s annual Fleurish Awards and received four Awards of Excellence for her work along with the ‘Plate Spinner’ award for her efforts on the board of directors for the chapter.

An LSU graduate, Alicia received a bachelor's degree in mass communications with a concentration in public relations and minors in business administration and leadership development. She is a frequent speaker and presenter on public relations topics, most recently presenting at the Jefferson Economic Development Commission and SPRF annual conference.

When Alicia is not at work, you can find her at the ballpark with her three boys or cheering on the Tigers in Death Valley.

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