ARTE has released a documentary-style segment titled “L’amour aujourd’hui : comment ça marche ?” to explore the mechanics of modern love [1].
The program examines whether the concept of a great love can survive in a digital landscape where dating applications monetize human desire [1]. By questioning the impact of these platforms, the production highlights a shift in how individuals seek and maintain romantic connections in the current era [2].
Featuring philosopher Alain de Botton, the segment argues that traditional romanticism may actually be a barrier to successful relationships. De Botton said, "L’amour a un grand ennemi : le romantisme" [1]. This perspective suggests that idealized versions of love can create unrealistic expectations that clash with the reality of partnership [1].
The production integrates diverse artistic perspectives to illustrate these themes. The program features illustrator Jeanne Kiviger, singer Arlo Parks, and photographer Hanna Mattes [1, 2]. Through their contributions, the documentary blends philosophical inquiry with visual and auditory storytelling to analyze the emotional state of modern dating [1, 3].
Narrators in the program ask whether great love is still in the air at a time when apps monetize desires [1]. The segment is available for streaming on ARTE's website and YouTube, where it will remain accessible until April 26, 2027 [1].
The broadcast seeks to determine if the "grand amour" still exists or if it has been replaced by a commodified version of intimacy [1, 2]. By contrasting the philosophy of de Botton with the creative works of Parks and Mattes, the program provides a multifaceted critique of the romantic ideal [1].
““L’amour a un grand ennemi : le romantisme.””
This production reflects a growing cultural discourse regarding the 'gamification' of romance. By framing romanticism as an enemy of love, the program suggests that the transition from organic courtship to algorithm-driven matching has fundamentally altered the psychological expectations of partners, moving from a search for a soulmate to a consumer-based selection process.
