Critical Thinking About Sex, Love, and Romance in the Mass Media explores how romantic coupleship is represented in books, magazines, popular music, movies, television, and the Internet within entertainment, advertising, and news/information. This distinctive reader offers diverse theoretical perspectives and methodological approaches on the representation of romantic relationships across the media spectrum.

Filling a void in existing media scholarship, this collection explores the media's influence on perceptions and expectations in relationships, including the myths, stereotypes, and prescriptions manifested throughout the press. Featuring fresh voices, as well as the perspectives of seasoned veterans, contributions include quantitative and qualitative studies along with cultural/critical, feminist, and descriptive analyses. Readers will appreciate the relevance of this topic in their own lives, and the volume invites readers to become activists for media consumer empowerment.

Critical Thinking About Sex, Love, and Romance in the Mass Media has been developed for use in courses on mass media and society, media studies, and media literacy. In addition to its use in coursework, it is appropriate and highly relevant for scholars, researchers, and others interested in how the media influence the personal lives of individuals.