From Meet-Cutes to Doomscrolling: The Evolution of Modern Romance
People once cited romcoms to describe the love they hoped for. Now the doomscroll has replaced the meet-cute | Lisa Portolan
The Guardian
Image: The Guardian
Context
Dating apps have transformed the landscape of romance, moving from serendipitous encounters to a more transactional and anxiety-ridden experience. The cultural narratives surrounding love and relationships have also evolved, reflecting broader societal uncertainties.
What The Author Says
The author argues that modern dating has shifted from the hopeful narratives of romantic comedies to a pervasive sense of dread, driven by technology and cultural change.
Key Arguments
📗 Facts
- Participants in dating research used to reference romantic comedies like '10 Things I Hate About You' to describe their hopes for love.
- Dating apps have become the primary means of romance, with one participant stating, 'Rom-com love is for hot people.'
- Modern films like 'Marriage Story' and 'The Worst Person in the World' reflect the growing themes of relationship anxiety and indecision.
📕 Opinions
- The cultural narrative surrounding romance has shifted from aspirational to cynical, reflecting broader societal anxieties.
- Dating apps have industrialized relationship anxiety, making dating feel like a chore rather than a joyful pursuit.
Counterpoints
Dating apps can foster genuine connections.
Many individuals have found meaningful relationships through dating apps, suggesting that technology can enhance rather than detract from romance.
Romantic comedies were always idealized.
The narratives in romantic comedies often presented unrealistic expectations, and the shift to a more realistic portrayal of relationships may be beneficial.
Cultural shifts are not inherently negative.
The evolution of romantic narratives may reflect a more nuanced understanding of relationships, accommodating diverse experiences beyond traditional tropes.
Bias Assessment
The author's perspective highlights the negative aspects of modern dating, potentially overlooking positive outcomes from technology.
Why This Matters
As dating apps become the primary means of finding love, understanding the psychological impacts of this shift is crucial. The current cultural climate influences how individuals approach relationships and intimacy.
🤔 Think About
- •How do dating apps change our expectations of relationships?
- •Can the rise of romantic dread lead to healthier relationship dynamics?
- •What role does societal pressure play in shaping our views on love?
- •Is it possible to find genuine romance in a digital landscape?
Opens original article on The Guardian
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