AI-powered
podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
UnHerd with Freddie Sayers
Valentine's Debate: Is romance dead?
Feb 14, 2025
Poppy Sowerby, a keen observer of modern relationships, joins writers Freya India, known for her insights on love, and Sheehan Quirke of The Cultural Tutor fame. Together, they unravel the complexities of romance in 2025, discussing the impact of dating apps on emotional connections. They explore the tension between convenience and authenticity, challenge stereotypes of male romance discussions, and advocate for reclaiming vulnerability in love. Amidst societal pressures, they inspire hope for a re-enchantment of romance in a digital age.
01:05:11
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- The decline of traditional romance is evident as fewer young adults are marrying, reflecting a deep societal shift in intimacy.
- Dating apps commodify romantic interactions, transforming genuine connections into marketing exercises, leading to angst and superficiality.
Deep dives
The State of Modern Romance
The discussion begins with an exploration of the decline of traditional romance, highlighting that fewer young adults are getting married and birth rates are dropping significantly. There is concern about an ongoing 'war on romance,' with dating apps creating a landscape filled with choice but leading to anxiety and disconnection. This societal shift is reflected in cultural products, such as films, with the percentage of romantic films significantly decreasing from nearly 35% in 2000 to 8% today. The speakers argue that this trend points to a deeper change in how intimacy and relationships are perceived and pursued in contemporary society.
Get the Snipd
podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered
Discover
highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any
moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share
& Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered
podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover
highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode