As Valentine’s Day approaches, a burning question lingers in the air: Are we the least romantic generation? To investigate this phenomenon, Caleb and I conducted interviews with Presbyterian College (PC) students from various walks of life, diving into their thoughts on the current state of romance in our society. This article hopes to explain whether PC students perceive chivalry to be dead or alive.
The Romantic Vibe: Lost in the Pursuit of Perfection
When asked about the factors affecting the romantic vibe in this generation, a student commented by stating “The thing that I think is killing the romantic vibe in this generation is that everyone wants to be a part of someone else instead of being a part of who they are with in that moment.” This observation suggests that individuals may be too focused on creating an idealized version of their partner, rather than embracing their authenticity.
Additionally, a recurring theme emerged during the interviews: the influence of social media and unrealistic expectations that the media presents. One student highlighted, “We are stuck in the media phase where we see what we think is nice, and we expect that out of the person that we are with in that moment, which takes a toll on the person trying to live up to the expectations of that one person.”
The constant exposure to idealized representations of relationships on social media create unrealistic expectations, putting pressure on individuals to conform to those images and undermining genuine connection by creating an environment of comparison and unattainable standards in romantic relationships.
Romance in a Digital World
In this digital age, media plays a vital role in shaping the way individuals connect and form relationships, and its impact on this generation’s ability to love is a topic of increasing concern. Dayton Jeffcoat, a psychology student at PC, shares what she feels about the complex relationship between media consumption and interpersonal connections.
According to Dayton, the influence of media varies based on individual personalities. Some individuals may find themselves overly reliant on digital communication, in turn, inhibiting their ability to form meaningful connections in person. She says, “Media could lead to some people focusing on being behind the screen to where that’s the only way they can communicate and the only way they have confidence.” For these individuals, face-to-face interactions may become challenging as they become tied to their phones.
On the other hand, she highlights a positive point, stating, “For others it could lead to just extending the relationship and using it as a positive way so they can still communicate whenever they aren’t with the person.”
The impact of media on love and connections, therefore, is shaped by individual traits and attitudes towards digital communication. As society progresses with the changing dynamics of relationships in this digital era, understanding these challenges becomes essential for fostering genuine connections.
A Shift in Love’s Landscape
Shelton Schutte, another interviewee, offered an intriguing perspective on whether love holds the same prominence in this generation compared to past ones. Shelton remarked, “Ultimately, love has been romanticized through social media. However, the concept of love has changed over time. Our generation craves more of the attention and idea of love, while past generations focused on experience and raw emotion.”
This shift in emphasis from genuine emotional connection to external validation through social media raises questions about the evolving nature of love in today’s society. Additionally, University of South Carolina psychologist, Lindy McQuinn spoke on this topic of generationally changing love patterns.
She says, “The prominence of love in this generation is refined and influenced by evolving societal dynamics. The fundamental aspects of love may remain constant, but the expression and priorities attached to it have shifted over time.”
Lindy also goes beyond to mention that former generations expressed and experienced love very differently.
“Back then, love was something that was believed to be sacred and sincere. Date nights, long phone calls via landline and even couples sneaking away to share a kiss between classes in school, were activities that people yearned for. If you were in a relationship back then, it was magical to say the least” she explains.
Overall, she emphasized the need for a general understanding of love, acknowledging both the qualities and the unique challenges faced by individuals in this “dying love” era.
Rationale for Further Investigation
The topic of our generation’s romance needs further investigation due to its overpowering impact on human emotions and relationships. As the dynamics of love transform, understanding the underlying causes and consequences becomes crucial.
An article conducted by Harvard Medical School mentions “Love, which began as a stressor (to our brains and bodies, at least), becomes a buffer against stress,” explains the neurological effects of love on the human body.
This emphasizes the significance of exploring how societal changes may be affecting our ability to form meaningful connections.
Furthermore, an additional article written by The University of Wollongong Australia states “there are many benefits of loving others and being loved. These include better mental health, wellbeing and immune function, and reduced chronic stress and disease.”
Student Interest: A Timely Exploration
Given the fast approaching date of Valentine’s Day itself, the topic is especially relevant and likely to capture the interest of PC students and perhaps a wider community. Understanding the dynamics of love in our generation can provide valuable insights into fostering healthier relationships and promoting real connections.
In conclusion, as we navigate the complexities of modern romance, this investigation aims to shed light on the challenges and opportunities for building genuine connections in an age where the romantic vibe may seem difficult to find.
Sources
● https://hms.harvard.edu/news-events/publications-archive/brain/love-brain
● https://www.uow.edu.au/media/2023/what-happens-in-our-brain-and-body-when-were-inl ove.php#:~:text=However%2C%20romantic%20love%20is%20not,reduced%20chronic %20stress%20and%20disease.