Essay: Love & Romance in Mass Media

Media influence the society – us. Media have influence on society’s attitudes, beliefs, values, habits, and culture in general. Thanks to the rapid development of technology in last decades, mass media have changed and grown. In 1900, Nicola Tesla invented the radio, and 25 years later, John Logie Baird developed the first TV. Before these inventions, only printed information were available – newspapers. (National Academy of Engineering, 2012) More than a decade ago, the Internet was invented, one of the most powerful tools of sharing ideas. Nowadays, mass media in general are used to create, shape and discuss ideas, values and beliefs. In addition, mass media can influence how we perceive certain situations – such as interpersonal relationships.  It is easy to be influenced by media, because the search for information and its evaluation is hard, we tend to adopt someone else’s ideas. (Dugas, 2011) Dougas also states: “The media construct reality. Much of our view of reality is based on messages conveyed by the media.”  Especially in terms of romance, there is lack of alternative opinions and attitudes.

“In the 1900Guide to Periodical Literature, there were 10 references to romantic articles.” (Mass media influences) Around 1930’s, the number increased significantly.  In terms of cinematography, the number of romance themes has also risen dramatically in 1930’s – romance related plot occurred in 95% of movies. Nowadays, the trend of romance in movies and literature has not declined.  

Dougas also presents the “Media Role Model,” or sometimes called the “Paris Effect.” He explains it as a person adopts certain behavior which is portrayed in media. It is important to mention, that the adoption does not happen after just one exposure, but rather over time after multiple exposures. The name “Paris Effect” is named after Paris Hilton; it is the idea that if a certain behavior is pervasive, it can be perceived as normal over time; Hilton’s behavior (partying and drinking) may be normal and acceptable for some people now. (Dugas, 2011)

“Mass media are very powerful socialization agents that rely on simplification, distortions of reality, and dramatic symbols and stereotypes to communicate their messages, so we shouldn't feel too bad if we wind up with some unrealistic expectations,” states Dr. Galician. (Galician, 2004, p. X) She also adds, that the higher consumption of the mass media, the higher level of dissatisfaction in terms of relationships in real life. A certain types of mass media are more related to unrealistic representation of romance – such as romantic movies or novels. It is important to realize, that a real love does not consist only of sex and romance. It takes time to develop.

Mass media present us many stereotypes and misleading role models - such as the fairy tales, which present women waiting for their men to complete their lives. In reality, everyone is responsible for his or her own destiny. The media also present us very irrational beauty ideals, which adopt over time and seek for such ideal in our own lives - in form of our look, or in form of our partner. Moreover, constant fights and arguments are not, as often presented by mass media, a sign of good passionate relationship. As we see them repeatedly over a long period of time, it becomes natural and truthful for us. (Galician, 2004, p. 8-9)

The only way how to not be as much influences by the media, that it would affect our interpersonal relationships is to be aware of its potential influence. We need to be critical and skeptical when consuming any kind of mass media. However, it does not mean we should sacrifice our way of romance, just be realistic in the expectations, which are different in the movie or novel, and in reality. (Galician, 2004, p. 8)

Works Cited:

Galician, M. (2004). Sex, love & romance in the mass media, analysis & criticism of unrealistic portrayals & their influence. Lawrence Erlbaum.

Dugas, T. (2011). Media and socialization. Retrieved from http://ruby.fgcu.edu/courses/tdugas/ids3301/module4p2.html

Mass media influences. Informally published manuscript, Georgia Institute of Technology, School of Literature, Communication and Culture, Atlanta, Georgia. Retrieved from http://www.lcc.gatech.edu/~herrington/gcp/Ethnology/media_ethn.html

National Academy of Engineering. (2012). Radio & television timeline. Retrieved from http://www.greatachievements.org/?id=3659