In 'Modern Romance,' comedian Aziz Ansari teams up with sociologist Eric Klinenberg to explore the complexities of love in the digital age. Through humorous anecdotes and rigorous research, they unravel how technology has transformed dating and relationships. The book is both a poignant examination of romance amidst a landscape of social media and dating apps, and a celebration of love's enduring essence. Ansari's witty narrative makes complex sociological concepts accessible and entertaining. Ultimately, 'Modern Romance' invites readers to reflect on their own relationships and the evolving nature of connection.
By Aziz Ansari, Eric Klinenberg
Published: 2015
"In the age of endless options, true love often feels like a rare gem hidden amidst a vast ocean of choices."
The #1 New York Times Bestseller “An engaging look at the often head-scratching, frequently infuriating mating behaviors that shape our love lives.” —Refinery 29 A hilarious, thoughtful, and in-depth exploration of the pleasures and perils of modern romance from Aziz Ansari, the star of Master of None and one of this generation’s sharpest comedic voices At some point, every one of us embarks on a journey to find love. We meet people, date, get into and out of relationships, all with the hope of finding someone with whom we share a deep connection. This seems standard now, but it’s wildly different from what people did even just decades ago. Single people today have more romantic options than at any point in human history. With technology, our abilities to connect with and sort through these options are staggering. So why are so many people frustrated? Some of our problems are unique to our time. “Why did this guy just text me an emoji of a pizza?” “Should I go out with this girl even though she listed Combos as one of her favorite snack foods? Combos?!” “My girlfriend just got a message from some dude named Nathan. Who’s Nathan? Did he just send her a photo of his penis? Should I check just to be sure?” But the transformation of our romantic lives can’t be explained by technology alone. In a short period of time, the whole culture of finding love has changed dramatically. A few decades ago, people would find a decent person who lived in their neighborhood. Their families would meet and, after deciding neither party seemed like a murderer, they would get married and soon have a kid, all by the time they were twenty-four. Today, people marry later than ever and spend years of their lives on a quest to find the perfect person, a soul mate. For years, Aziz Ansari has been aiming his comic insight at modern romance, but for Modern Romance, the book, he decided he needed to take things to another level. He teamed up with NYU sociologist Eric Klinenberg and designed a massive research project, including hundreds of interviews and focus groups conducted everywhere from Tokyo to Buenos Aires to Wichita. They analyzed behavioral data and surveys and created their own online research forum on Reddit, which drew thousands of messages. They enlisted the world’s leading social scientists, including Andrew Cherlin, Eli Finkel, Helen Fisher, Sheena Iyengar, Barry Schwartz, Sherry Turkle, and Robb Willer. The result is unlike any social science or humor book we’ve seen before. In Modern Romance, Ansari combines his irreverent humor with cutting-edge social science to give us an unforgettable tour of our new romantic world.
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“In the age of endless options, true love often feels like a rare gem hidden amidst a vast ocean of choices.”
Modern Romance
By Aziz Ansari, Eric Klinenberg
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Aziz Ansari is a comedian, actor, writer, and producer known for his unique blend of humor and social commentary. He gained prominence through his role as Tom Haverford on the acclaimed television series "Parks and Recreation". Ansari is also the author of the bestselling book "Modern Romance", which explores the complexities of dating in the modern world, combining research with his comedic insights. His writing style is characterized by wit, observational humor, and a keen awareness of contemporary cultural dynamics.
Eric Klinenberg is a distinguished sociologist and author known for his compelling exploration of contemporary social issues. He is best known for his notable works, including 'Going Solo: The Extraordinary Rise and Surprising Appeal of Living Alone,' which examines the increasing trend of solo living, and 'Heat Wave: A Social Autopsy of Disaster in Chicago,' a critical analysis of urban vulnerability in the face of extreme weather. Klinenberg's writing style is characterized by its blend of rigorous research and engaging narrative, making complex social phenomena accessible to a broad audience. As a professor of sociology at NYU, he continues to contribute to discussions on urban life and social transformation.
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Attached delves into the profound impact of attachment theories on our romantic relationships. It uncovers the fascinating ways our early bonds shape how we connect, love, and communicate with others. Through compelling anecdotes and insightful research, the authors reveal the three attachment styles: secure, anxious, and avoidant, and how they play out in everyday dynamics. As readers navigate the intricacies of their own emotional landscapes, they’ll discover tools to foster healthier connections and break free from destructive patterns. Prepare for a transformative journey that will forever change how you view love and attachment!
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In 'The Game,' Neil Strauss delves into the underground world of pickup artists and their mysterious techniques for seduction. As he transforms from an average man into a master of charm, readers are taken on a wild journey filled with eccentric characters and surprising revelations. The book uncovers the psychology behind attraction and self-confidence, challenging societal norms about relationships. Yet, as Strauss dives deeper, he grapples with the darker, addictive nature of the game itself. Will the pursuit of love lead to fulfillment or a relentless cycle of manipulation?
In 'Love and Sex with Robots,' David Levy explores the provocative intersection of technology and human relationships, envisioning a future where intimate connections with robots could reshape society. He delves into the psychology behind these relationships, posing challenging questions about love, attraction, and the essence of humanity. As AI evolves, Levy raises the possibility that we may one day experience genuine emotional bonds with machines. The book teases out the implications of this phenomenon on our understanding of love and intimacy. Prepare to challenge your perceptions of relationships in a world where boundaries between human and artificial blur.
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