Does our society discriminate against those who are single? Are spaces, ideals and social norms only catered towards the monogamous couple? We talk about the difficulties of online dating, the unintended consequences of making the private sphere, public, and the problems men and women face when trying to find intimacy and connection in this new technological frontier. We even deconstruct Love Island and discuss the potential harm of some of the gender stereotypes that exist there.

With us today is Alicia Denby a PhD Researcher in Sociology at the Manchester Metropolitan University. Her research interests include gender and sexualities, modern dating practices, and singlehood. Her PhD, is titled "Singlehood and the City: An Investigation into the position of the Single in Urban Space", focuses on the spatial naturalisation of heteronormativity in an urban landscape.

The link to her Love Island article 'Toxicity and Femininity in Love Island: How Reality Dating Shows Perpetuate Sexist Attitudes Towards Women' is here:

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fsoc.2021.641216/full