Modern Romance: An Investigation
The book ‘Modern Romance: An Investigation’ is a book by Aziz Ansari and Eric Klinenberg. Aziz Ansari is an American actor, producer, director, comedian and evident from his book, writer. In an attempt to define modern romance, Aziz consulted Erick Klineberg, a sociologist at New York University with whom they co-authored the book. Ansari and Klinenberg designed and conducted a research project that covered international geography and involved hundreds of interviews on focus groups. However, it is crucial to note that Ansari did more of the writing as Klinenberg was more of a consultant and a research partner. This essay will be on an in-depth review of the book, focusing more on the content than the authors.
At present, romance is different from ancient times. Earlier, marriage was more of an economic institution where one got children, social status, succession and long-term companionship. Marriage was mainly arranged, where parents chose partners for their children, rather than marrying out of love. However, times have since changed, and people have evolved significantly. Romance is the base on marriage and people are more focused on marrying their loved ones. Also, the technological evolution has made it possible for people to find partners online. Technology has simplified the romantic process that just by the touch of a screen; one has the chance of finding a life partner. As such, Ansari saw the need for educating people on modern romance concerning online dating. Ansari emphasizes online dating etiquette where he gives the dos and don’ts of online dating. Also, Ansari guides the reader in the steps of creating the perfect text message. Ansari also discusses why the availability of too many choices has rendered many people single.
Ansari and Klinenberg based their book on research. In one of the studies they conducted, Ansari and Klinenberg examined a column in 1995 where Tierney did a semi-scientific survey to investigate a New York Phenomenon. There were vast numbers of intelligent and attractive people who claimed that it was impossible to find a suitable romantic partner. Tierney compared the figured to other places like Chicago, Boston and Los Angeles and he concluded that the single people of New York had the most choices and they were the pickiest when it came to finding a romantic partner. This survey by Tierney served to support one of the main points of Ansari and Klinenberg that too many choices and options make it harder for one to choose a romantic partner.
Ansari and Klinenberg came to several conclusions in their book. The authors concluded that online etiquette played a vital role in finding a partner from a dating website. As such, it is essential for one to understand how to approach a potential partner and present one’s proposal in courtesy. Also, Ansari and Klinenberg concluded that the manner of texting could determine whether one gets a romantic partner or not. From their research, the authors came up with three steps to writing a compelling text message namely; a firm and specific invitation, mentioning a sort of reference to a previous face-to-face interaction and above all, using a humorous tone. Also, the authors conclude by urging their readers not to be too picky in their search for a soul mate. Perfection is impossible, and as such, people should be more open-minded when they decide to look for love in online dating platforms.
The book by Ansari and Klinenberg is sociological because it studies the development, structure and functioning of human society. Ansari and Klinenberg designed and conducted a research project that covered international geography and involved many interviews and focus groups. The research was meant to understand human social relationships concerning modern romance on online dating websites. A significant part of this book got based on the research conducted by Ansari and Klinenberg. The study included observation of current trends, hundreds of interviews as well as consideration of previous studies. The roles of history and social context in shaping dating and marriage patterns get based on the generation. The millennial generation is more focused on finding a romantic partner, regardless of their social and historical background. The pre-millennial age on the other hand is more concerned with the social and historical context of a potential lover before committing to a long-term relationship.
The language that Ansari uses to write his book plays a useful role in conveying his main points. The humorous style makes the book exciting and captivating. Also, Ansari breaks the monotony by narrating his real-life encounters to make the text more authentic. Furthermore, the book is focused on the reality of life at present. Many people, mostly the millennial generation, are dependent on online dating websites; what a better way to aid in their romantic endeavors than to take them in a light-hearted tour of the realities of online dating. Besides, Ansari not only gives tips on how to end up with a successful relationship, but he also uses evidence from studies conducted in partnership with his co-author, Klinenberg. The book ‘Modern Romance: An Investigation’ is a must-read for anyone considering to set on a mission of finding a lover from online dating sites.