RESEARCH QUESTION: How has the influence of media shaped and transformed the concept of love in modern society?

Jenkins, H. (2006). Convergence Culture: Where Old and New Media Collide. https://www.nyupress.org/books/9780814742815/. Retrieved October 20, 2023.

Henry Jenkins’ book “Convergence Culture” explores how people’s interactions with media have changed as a result of the digital age’s collision of old and new media. It investigates how the dynamics of fan culture, involvement, and engagement have changed as a result of the convergence of several media types. In a society where media convergence is a major factor, Jenkins contends that these changes have important consequences for how media affects our lives, particularly our experiences of love and relationships.

This source is in line with my research topic since it discusses the wider effects of media convergence on various aspects of society, such as interpersonal relationships, which are essential to my investigation of the relationship between love and the media.

Jenkins talks about how the popularity of dating apps and websites like Tinder and OkCupid has drastically altered how people meet and communicate with possible spouses. He points out, for example, that these platforms have increased the number of people looking for a mate and given them new opportunities to contact them (Jenkins, 2006, pp. 120-125). Jenkins investigates the effects of media convergence on how love and relationships are portrayed in different media. Jenkins (2006), pp. 180-185) gives examples of how TV shows such as “The Bachelor” break the boundaries between real-life relationships and media entertainment by including internet and social media aspects into their narratives. Jenkins highlights how people’s perceptions of love can be influenced by media representations. He gives instances of how romanticized ideas of love may be created by romantic tales in a variety of media, which can influence how people view and pursue romantic relationships. These changing expectations have been partially attributed to media convergence (Jenkins, 2006, pp. 275-280). These particular takeaways from Jenkins’ book will help me build a solid argument for how media convergence has changed how relationships, dating, and love are viewed in today’s society. 

 

Gillespie, M., & Aaltonen, M. (2015). Media and the Ecological Crisis.https://www.routledge.com/Media-and-the-Ecological-Crisis/Gillespie-Aaltonen/p/book/9780415723103. Retrieved October 19, 2023.

In addition to examining the connection between media and environmental issues, “Media and the Ecological Crisis” also looks at the media’s wider social impact. Although it doesn’t specifically address love, it does provide insights into the ways that media can impact people’s perceptions, behaviors, and relationships, which may in turn have an impact on how people experience and perceive love.

This source is in line with my research topic because it discusses the media’s broader impact on society and how it may affect people’s relationships, emotions, and behaviors.

The book by Gillespie and Aaltonen investigates how people’s conceptions of love are influenced by the media. They talk about how romantic relationships are frequently portrayed in the media in exaggerated and dramatic ways, particularly in romantic comedies and tragedies. People may develop irrational expectations about love as a result of these media representations, thinking that their own relationships should be like the ones they see in movies and television shows. People may therefore approach partnerships with unduly idealized ideas, which can result in disagreements and letdowns (Gillespie & Aaltonen, 2015, pp. 87-92).

The media’s influence on behavioral patterns is another topic covered in the book. For example, by promoting particular dating conventions and etiquette, the media may have an impact on dating practices. For instance, popular dating reality programs can influence people’s expectations about appropriate behavior when pursuing love interests. This influence may have an indirect impact on how individuals approach dating, influencing their interactions with possible partners and romantic decisions (Gillespie & Aaltonen, 2015, pp. 120-125).

 

Valkenburg, P. M., Peter, J., & Walther, J. B. (2016). Media Effects: Theory and Research.https://www.researchgate.net/publication/281554023_Media_Effects_Theory_and_Research. Retrieved October 15, 2023.

“Media Effects: Theory and Research” offers a thorough examination of the different ways that media affects people and society. It explores the scientific basis of media effects and offers evidence-based perspectives on how media affects people’s views, actions, and feelings. The book explores the impact of media on emotions and interpersonal relationships—two crucial components of romantic experiences and love—even though it doesn’t solely center on love.

Since it offers a fundamental understanding of how media affects people and relationships—an understanding that is essential for researching the impact of media on love and romantic experiences—this source directly relates to my research topic.

The source also looks at how media affects interactions among people. It draws attention to the ways in which relationships can be shaped by the media. For example, specific relationship dynamics and resolves are frequently shown in romantic comedies. These representations may be internalized by viewers, changing how they interact with others in real life. The way people show their love, interact and resolve issues in romantic relationships can all be influenced by media (Valkenburg, Peter, & Walther, 2016, pp. 150-155). The book might offer particular conclusions or theories about how media exposure affects people’s conceptions of romantic love. For instance, studies or research demonstrating how extended exposure to specific media content might result in idealized or unrealistic conceptions of love, influencing people’s expectations and actions in their personal romantic relationships, may be covered (Valkenburg, Peter, & Walther, 2016, pp. 200-205).

 

Reinecke, L. (2014). Entertainment Media and the Quality of Romantic Relationships. In N. D. Bowman, R. Tamborini, & C. R. Peter (Eds.), Media Effects: Advances in Theory and Research (3rd ed., pp.  537-553).https://www.researchgate.net/publication/261914495_Media_Exposure_and_Romantic_Relationship_Quality_A_Slippery_Slope. Retrieved October 20, 2023.

The impact of entertainment media on romantic relationships is examined in this chapter. It focuses on the effects of media on romantic dynamics and relationship happiness, without specifically addressing love. It offers insightful information about how romantic relationships and the quality of love can be impacted by media content.

Since this source focuses on the relationship between romantic relationships, media, and relationship quality—all of which are essential components of love—it is highly relevant to my study topic.

I might talk about how people frequently go to entertainment media for guidance and understanding of love relationships. The ways in which people maintain or enhance the quality of their own romantic relationships can be indirectly influenced by the media’s portrayal of relationship problems and solutions.

 

Smith, A., & Anderson, M. (2016). 5 Facts About Online Dating.https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2016/02/29/5-facts-about-online-dating/. Retrieved October 17, 2023.

A Pew Research Center article titled “5 Facts About Online Dating” provides information about the frequency and effects of online dating in modern culture. The study includes important data and trends on online dating, such as attitudes toward it, the usage of dating apps and websites, and how it affects relationships and love.

This source, which examines how online media—such as dating apps and websites—affects people’s experiences with love and relationships, is a perfect fit for my research topic. It offers information and analysis on how media has changed how people look for and make romantic relationships.

I can draw attention to the preferences and difficulties that online daters encounter, as mentioned in the source. For example, “Women who had used dating platforms were more likely than men to find it difficult to find people they wanted to meet in person and people they were physically attracted to,” the study found. On the other hand, male users had greater difficulty connecting with individuals who had similar interests and activities.” I’ll talk about how Americans assess the success of relationships that start online as well as how safe they think internet dating is. You can quote data like this: “Approximately 53% of Americans think that using dating apps and websites to meet people is extremely or somewhat safe. Personal experience, however, has a substantial impact on views of safety; 71% of users who have used dating sites in the past believe that online dating is safe. About 40% of Americans thought that connections formed online were less successful than those formed in person, while 54% thought that online relationships were just as effective.”This relates to my research since it provides details on how the media, as represented by dating apps and websites, shapes the views and experiences of those using these platforms to find love. Additionally, the information on safety perceptions and the effectiveness of online relationships is pertinent to your study since it illuminates people’s perspectives of the media-driven process of finding love. It investigates if people’s experiences and opinions of romantic relationships are influenced by their beliefs of online dating as a secure and effective way to find love.