Modern Romance: An Investigation by Aziz Ansari and Eric Klinenberg
‘Modern Romance: An Investigation’ is a New York Bestseller book by Aziz Ansari and Eric Klinenberg. The book was published in 2015 by Penguin Group, and in the same year, it received a Goodreads Choice Awards as the Best Nonfiction. Aziz Ansari is an American actor, producer, director, comedian and evident from his book, a writer. Ansari saw the need to define the rules of online dating, which is at the center of modern romance. Therefore, in collaboration with Erick Klineberg, a sociologist at New York University with whom they co-authored the book, Ansari and Klinenberg designed and conducted an international research project which involved hundreds of interviews on focus groups. However, it is important to note that Ansari wrote a major part of the book since Klinenberg was a consultant and a research partner. Ansari and Klinenberg based their book on modern romance, specifically online dating. The central idea revolves on how online applications and the internet have changed the contemporary dating structures. Besides, Ansari offers advice on how to have a successful date during the modern era.
Presently, romance has evolved when compared to ancient times. Earlier, marriage was viewed as an economic institution where one got children, social status, succession, and long-term companionship. Marriage was mainly arranged, and instead of marrying out of love, parents chose suitable partners for their children. However, times have since changed, and people have also evolved noticeably. Romance is the base of marriage, and people are more focused on marrying their romantic partners. Moreover, technological advancement has made it possible for people to find partners online. Technology has streamlined the passionate process that just swiping a phone; one has the chance of finding a life partner. Therefore, Ansari saw the need to enlighten people on how to succeed in modern romance through online dating. Ansari emphasizes online dating etiquette, where he gives the ground rules of online dating. Also, Ansari guides his readers in the steps of creating the ideal text message, which is the foundation of online communication. Ansari also discusses why many people are single because of the availability of too many people.
Ansari and Klinenberg based their book on research and evidence. 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 huge numbers of brilliant and charming people in New York who claimed that it was hard to find a suitable romantic partner. Tierney compared the figures to other cities like Chicago, Boston, and Los Angeles and he concluded that the single people of New York had the most choices and they were the fussiest when it came to finding a romantic partner. This survey by Tierney served as evidence to 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 critical 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 unattainable, and therefore, people should be more broad-minded when they decide to look for love in online dating platforms.
The language that Ansari uses to write his book plays a vital 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 book gain an 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 is best suited for the present dating scene. Many people are more open to the idea of online dating as compared to earlier years. Furthermore, there are numerous dating applications which increase the chances of finding a partner online. Therefore, this book by Ansari and Klinenberg has perfect timing. People need advice on how to present themselves in their online dating profiles to enable them to find partners more easily. A significant part of the book is based on research, which makes the book authentic and believable. Most of the advice offered by Ansari is applicable and realistic. For instance, the three steps to writing a compelling text message; the steps are clear and easy to comprehend as well as apply. Therefore, ‘Modern Romance: An Investigation’ is best suited for the modern generation because it offers modern solutions to modern problems. The book is a must-read for anyone considering setting on a mission of finding a lover from online dating sites.