Modern metaphysical romance

This chapter connects Carroll’s arguments about the ongoing significance of the soul-mate archetype to contemporary concerns about the impact of Internet dating and mobile technology on relationships. It considers whether Carroll is correct in arguing that romantic love continues to be one of the key areas of life in which the search for meaning takes place, or if, as other sociologists argue, romantic relationships are increasingly fragmented, insecure and primarily a means to temporary gratification as opposed to ongoing fulfilment. An analysis of the 2013 film Her draws out the tensions and ambivalences present in our attempts to connect with the other in an individualized society.