Social media can be both a blessing and a curse in the way we communicate with others and the way we perceive ourselves. he presence of social media in relationships is mostly subconscious. In other words, the relationship will grow without us thinking about it. Even though it is the reason for good feelings in most of the cases, it can be the consequence of the other problems. We should be mindful of the amount of time we spend on social media because if we spend too much time there, it may make life more difficult in many ways. Have you ever wondered if social media could actually ruin a relationship? It’s a tough question because social media is such a big part of our lives nowadays. We use it all the time, and it’s hard to imagine life without it.
Does social media kill relationships?
We must go further to look closely at how social media is influencing relationships on a larger level.
The rise of social networking sites and platforms has changed the way we socialize and use social networking sites like Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat to exhibit our accomplishments, skills, and personal lives. Contrary to their advantages, they influence the formation of an online persona where only certain sides are chosen, sometimes leading to the fact that real life experiences and relationships with people are underappreciated.
Excessive Usage: The data have shown that 71% of the American adults use social media and most of them use their social media accounts very frequently, several times a day. This can alternatively be considered as continuous communication which may result in lack of time spent offline with the same partners.
Jealousy-Inducing Posts: Research shows that up to 88% of people claiming to have stalked their partners’ exes appear like they do on social media. It may cause one to have ups and downs, including moments of jealously and insecurity, and thus problems may arise in the current relationships.
Privacy Invasion: Along with privacy concerns, it is such that 91% of social media users presume that they would not have power on how their personal information is collected and used by others. As it puts into doubt the trust within relationships, it can often become the cause of mistrust.
Online Infidelity: Psychologists believe that social media is a convenient means of participating in emotional affairs with the fact that more than one-third of Tinder users has declared to be in a consensual relationship but still using the app. The rise to the prevalence of online infidelity has been known to damage trust and communication between partners which over time finally lead to the break up of the relationship.
Among many other things, the influence of social media on relationships does not end with the factors related to an individual. It goes deep into a society’s structure, affecting ideas and ways of romantic relationships. It defines what is acceptable and how people relate to one another.
Impact of Social Media on Relationships: Comparison Culture, Validation-Seeking, and Friendship Quality
Comparison Culture: Social media use more than any other is associated with the comparison of oneself to the way other people look. Even up to 60% of people who use social media admit do this. This fact can be discouraging to those who are engaging in such relationships, as they are often afraid of not meeting unrealistic expectations.
Validation-Seeking: To be honest, an overwhelming 71% of people confessed to perceiving their images as less attractive after viewing the photos taken on social media. Partners being online, the uncertainty can come into relationships, too, where people seek their partners’ approval or confirmation on the internet.
Quality of Friends: Social media can also diminish the quality of your friends; they might be the last thing you talk about with them. Nevertheless, it can sometimes be an opportunity to improve your relationships with the people you love.
Research reveals that, with respect to relationships, social media is a super strong tool. According to a survey conducted by the Pew Research Centre,
Relationship Satisfaction: The pairs which would rather go for mutual social media use have higher satisfaction, as well as stronger family ties. There is an added strong bond of connection between people as they relate to what they have been through and feel part of a community.
Support Networks: Conflict which is very stressful, is well known to all, Social media has made it possible for friends and community to reach out and help in such cases. Online communities are closely knit groups which give a feeling of inclusion that makes building relationships easy among individuals who pull together and also makes it possible for relationships to be strong.
A social-network hurts and helps romantic relationships and if the way social media is used affects how social networks are used as to cause it to mend or to destroy romantic partnerships. We can be more considerate of our online behaviors and help to create a free and open space for discussion with our significant others, in order to be able to make full use of technology with satisfying and rewarding marriages in digital era.
Strategies for handling social media usage within relationships
-Phone free time is what you must have during your quality time together.
-Participating in activities that will make someone not use social media as their target.
-Yet another important point is keeping the phones out of the bedroom to make sure that there is no interruption in the intimacy.
-Not to be in touch with their ex-partners.
