This chart shows how people have met their partners by decade…

If you go back to the 1950s, meeting through friends, family, as well as childhood friends from school was the most popular way to meet your partner. Asking people out in public places like bars, restaurants, or work was only how 20%-25% of the population met. During the 1980s was the peak of seduction culture with 40% of people meeting this way. Even in the 80s though it was an ineffective method of meeting women and ultimately 35% of the population opted for meeting through friends and another 20% met through family.
You want to know why dating sucks now? It’s not because “I can’t approach or flirt with women anymore!” That has always been a stupid way to try and meet women. And no it’s not because women are calling security on you and tossing men who do this in prison. I approached hundreds of girls back in college and never got that response from them. The truth is, it doesn’t work. It never worked and it never will work. You won’t approach women because you are scared. That’s the honest truth. Most people are, that’s why you don’t approach and try to seduce random women walking around in public because it’s a stupid way of trying to meet your partner.
If you want a girlfriend, tell your friends and family that you are looking for someone. Tell them what you like in a girl. If you don’t know anyone who can find someone for you try to make new friends. Get a different job or join a club.
But for the love of God stop promoting the cold approach method and giving into PUA bullshit that only works if you are a very specific kind of guy. That only works for 25%, maybe 40% of the population who has a lot of natural confidence. If you are worried about any kind of stigma for approaching women then you are not that kind of guy.