Part 6/10:
A key point of discussion revolves around how television, movies, and social media have shaped perceptions of marriage. Critics argue that stories romanticize and reinforce the idea that delaying or avoiding marriage signifies personal failure, creating an environment where young women and men feel pressured—even if this pressure is less overt than in previous generations.
For example, some acknowledge that media often promotes the narrative of the young individual going to college and settling down immediately afterward, which is sometimes propagated as the only reasonable path. However, this narrative is increasingly questioned given the rising statistics on delayed marriage, increased focus on personal growth, and rejection of traditional life scripts.