7.2: Introduction

Why are we attracted to some people and not others? What factors shape who we desire, date, and love? These questions remind us that love and attraction are not simply personal feelings; they are also shaped by social, cultural, psychological, and biological forces. In this chapter, we explore romantic love within its cultural, social, and biological contexts, examining both the science and sociology of attraction.

While some research explains love through evolutionary perspectives, emphasizing biological drives and reproduction, human attraction is far more complex. Who we are drawn to is also shaped by propinquity (physical and social proximity); similarity; shared values; appearance; and socialization. This chapter also introduces theoretical models that classify different forms of love, including Robert Sternberg’s Triangular Theory of Love and John Lee’s Color Wheel Theory of Love.

Finally, the chapter examines how contemporary courtship patterns have changed, shifting from more traditional forms of dating toward informal practices such as hanging out in groups and hooking up in casual, low-commitment encounters. These changes also intersect with the rise of dating apps, which have become important spaces where many people meet, communicate, and evaluate potential partners. The chapter also considers AI companions and the changing meaning of intimacy. Together, these trends show how love and attraction are now shaped through both online and offline interactions.

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