Från första blicken till sista klicket : En sociologisk intervjustudie om kärlek

The topic of love has been discussed many times, and achieving it is the true goal of life for many; however, a romantic partnership is no longer guaranteed. The rapid digitalisation of society has caused romance seeking to become an activity often done from behind a screen. This study aims to highlight the generational divide in how love is viewed, the role of digitalisation within the field, and what aspects each generation values in regard to relationships. According to previous research, young people tend to align with more liberal views of relationships. Prior research also highlights the connection between the usage of dating apps and a rise in higher expectations. This study is founded on a sociological perspective, adapting the theories of Anthony Giddens, Eva Illouz, and Zygmunt Bauman to achieve a deeper understanding of the subject. Three interviews were conducted with people from each generational group for a total of six interviews with a qualitative methodology in mind. The results of the study shows that younger people tend to be more calculating and rational in their choice of partner, while the older respondents tend to have fewer demands. Digitalisation was not shown to have any significant impact on romantic relationships. However, it was proven that while younger individuals set their standard higher, there was no significant difference in their fundamental prerequisites for a functioning romantic relationship. The study contributes a unique perspective on romantic relationships by comparing the perspectives of two generations, allowing a peek into how societal change is reflected in them.