Today’s relationships are often criticized by the generations before us. We even do the work for them, by expressing our discontent with the difficulty of making real connections these days. But if you actually look at the facts, you might realize that the problem is not with our generation. The problem is with relationships in general.

We’ve all seen failed relationships in our parents’ and grandparents’ generations. Often that meant something much worse than it does today. Spousal abuse wasn’t taken as seriously, whether physical or verbal. Many people had nowhere to turn for advice.

So maybe, the technological innovations that help us meet people today aren’t as bad as we think they are. Maybe, despite their many flaws, they still manage to open doors for us to meet people who will become incredibly important to us.

The following 3 services get a bad rep which is not always deserved.

1. Omegle

Can you believe Omegle has been around for 10 years? A lot of people didn’t think it would last nearly that long. Many people don’t even know it still exists. And unfortunately, many associate it with bad experiences of sexually frustrated random “chat” partners.

But Omegle has strict regulations in place and offenders get kicked off very easily. When used properly, Omegle still offers something that is very rare – immediate, stress-free connections with strangers. Those connections can be thoroughly worth it (take some time to watch Amanda Palmer’s excellent TED talk for proof).

If you have been banned for something you did in the past, or for a misunderstanding, you can find out how to get unbanned from Omegle. Don’t make me regret telling you that!

2. Tinder and Grindr

Tinder and Grindr are both apps that give people the opportunity to meet based on proximity. They are therefore both used for meaningless hookups and one-night-stands. There are websites dedicated to hilariously bad encounters on these platforms, but they do offer a few things that are worthwhile.

First off, we shouldn’t underestimate the importance of the fact that they make hookups that much more available. In the past, finding a hookup involved going out and trying to convince someone to sleep with you. If you’re using Grindr or Tinder for hookups, you can quickly establish if you’re on the same page with someone. You don’t get pressured into something you don’t want to do and you don’t end up doing the same to others. Sexual freedom is one of the hallmarks of progress in the past century. Importantly, NSA sex does not lessen our chances of finding lasting love.

And secondly, many lasting relationships have started on these apps. It’s not as uncommon as you think. Also, what better alternatives are there? Is meeting people at parties, clubs, or through friends more likely to end in marriage?

3. Dating Sites

While dating apps have a bad rep, at least they’re better regarded than dating sites. Online dating is seen by so many of us as a depressing alternative to dating apps. They’re frequented by older people who don’t know how to use the apps.

But there are actually plenty of young people using dating sites, and for good reason. The platform gives users a chance to build a more comprehensive personal profile, and find people who match based on more than a picture and a few short sentences.

Dating sites have also implemented new technology that puts them at least on a par with the apps. They’re worth a try if you’re looking for a serious relationship. Remember to watch for scammers, though. They’re still depressingly common on dating sites.