Am I Ready for Dating? From Violence to Romance, Negativity to Positivity, Friendship to Marriage, and Love to Responsibility

Abstract

Dating has become a common lifestyle among adolescents, yet it raises debates regarding its urgency and impact on individual development. This study aims to explore the development of academic literature related to the phenomenon of dating through a systematic literature review. A total of 50 highly cited articles out of 865 documents indexed in Google Scholar were analyzed to identify key topics, research approaches, and major findings. The results indicate that discourse on dating continues to grow, covering issues such as the negative impacts of dating, communication patterns, types of relationships, and strategies for preventing deviant behaviors. A notable finding highlights the increasing risks of dating, including violence, premarital sex, and emotional exploitation, particularly for adolescent girls. Furthermore, there is a growing emphasis on the importance of education that promotes healthy relationships based on responsibility and moral values. This review concludes that a paradigm shift is needed—from impulsive romantic relationships toward those that foster maturity, commitment, and positive character development. The study also provides important implications for developing educational policies and adolescent counseling services, and recommends further research that is more in-depth and contextually grounded.