Boyfriend Material showcases a very clear distinction between what people show on the outside and who they really are. This occurs both on a societal level, such as what the paparazzi and media feature, and on the private level, such as what happens within relationships. The book’s central conflicts reveal the difference between how things seem and how things are and emphasize the importance of not making assumptions.

Hall uses paparazzi, gossip magazines, and television to show how perception contrasts with reality. Luc and Jon are most often the subjects of media, although their experience in the spotlight and the way the spotlight reacts to them are very different. At the beginning of the novel, Jon is trying to improve his self-image by appearing on reality television and creating relationships with young, vulnerable musicians. He is perceived as altruistic due to his charisma and empathy. However, his interactions with Luc show how much his public actions and words are a sham. He is only interested in Luc’s relationship with his legacy; he abandons Luc when he is no longer worried about his health, highlighting how the caring man he plays on television is a farce.

While Jon benefits from the media, Luc suffers because of it.