About 72% of Americans use social media, which is popular to make new friends, build relationships, or share photos of their daily life. Using social media to connect in this way can have social media affects relationships ups and downs for your relationships, whether platonic or romantic. Here’s what you need to know.
Relationships Could be Harmed by Social Media.
“Social media can negatively affect relationships when you start comparing yourself to other people, including your friends, based solely on their social media accounts,” says Moore. For example, some people may fear that their life is not as good as their friends’ and withdraw from the friendship because they feel they are not good enough.
This impact on self-esteem and isolation is part of the reason why increase social media use has been linked to depressive symptoms. If you constantly compare your life to a perfect picture that others post on social media, you may feel dissatisfied with yourself and be more likely to develop depression.
Self-esteem issues can also arise when posting some relationships on social media, but not all. If something isn’t shared on social media, “people might feel excluded or think they are not important,” according to Moore.
Cyberbullying, which 23% of teens say they have experienced, can also Social media affects relationships can be negatively, whether you receive malicious comments or send them to others. For example, cyberbullying is associated with an increased risk of depression in both victims and perpetrators.
Social Media Can Encourage Envy
Jealousy is a natural and common emotion, but when left unchecked, jealousy can damage relationships.
Jealousy often reflects our own insecurities. It often makes us think of uncertain scenarios in our heads – scenarios that can fuel our anger and insecurities.
When you’re feeling insecure, you might see a photo of your partner with a friend and wonder if they’re having an affair. Or, you may feel like you’re not attractive enough or rich enough, so you scroll through your partner’s Instagram to “investigate” whether they’re more attracted to others. It’s easy to project these difficult emotions onto everything we see on social media. Your actions can find “evidence” to justify your jealousy, even if your partner is completely faithful.
If you don’t deal with jealousy in a healthy way, social media can perpetuate it.
Social Media Can Make it Harder to Spend Time With Your Loved Ones in Person.
Has your partner ever pulled out their phone and started scrolling when you had to go on a date? Have you been?
A 2018 research paper found that increased use of social media can have a negative impact on the quality time people spend with loved ones. Research is self-reported and further research is need.
Because social media is design to be engaging and easy to scroll through, it can be difficult to put your phone down and focus on your partner (or friend), aka “partner hooker”. “. As a result, it can take a lot of time and attention. Without even realizing it, you may be focusing more on your phone instead of connecting with loved ones.
According to research from 2021, partner phubbing or phubbing is negatively associat with relationship satisfaction. This can lead to feelings of isolation, jealousy, and less intimacy.
Social Media Facilitates the Meeting of Single People
In the digital age we live in, it’s not uncommon for people to meet each other online or through dating apps – in fact, this may be more common.
A 2017 survey found that 39% of heterosexual couples said they met their partner online, up from just 22% in 2009.
A later study that analyzed the results found that “network encounters replace the roles of family and friends in bringing couples together.”
According to a survey, online dating can be especially helpful for the LGBTQ+ community.
Of the adults who responded to the survey, 28% said they had met their current partner online, compared with 11% of adults who were candid in a relationship.
It Can Keep You Connected to Your Partner
Whether it’s posting a funny meme on Instagram or taking a quick Snapchat, social media is an easy way for couples to interact throughout the day in a fun and stress-free way.
This is especially helpful for couples who don’t live together and those in long-distance relationships. According to a survey published in the journal Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, young people in long-distance relationships are better able to maintain them if they use social networking sites.
People who have their partner in their profile picture or relationship status public on Facebook also tend to be more satisfied with their relationship, because it’s worth it.
Always Put Your Loved Ones Before Yourself
While there are always risks when navigating relationships and social media, there are also ways to ensure your communication stays strong. Shore explains that it’s important to focus on your real life together instead of primarily interacting online to create a solid foundation on which to build your relationship.
“Be really connected with the people that matter,” she says. “Don’t wish your family a happy birthday on Facebook: Pick up the phone or take a trip to see them. Instead of sending invitations, thank-you cards and greeting cards online, send your loved ones. you something they can keep forever.”
As your social media network grows, Shore also recommends considering the beliefs and values of others. “Remember who your friends are,” she says. “Before you share your thoughts on politics or religion or post anything provocative or controversial, keep in mind who your audience is. Is it worth creating tension with your family, friends? your friends or colleagues?”
No matter how you approach your life on the internet, remember to think about your direct relationships before you go online. That doesn’t mean you have to turn off your phone completely, so there’s no need to delete your favorite apps. Social media can be fun, fun, and a great way to relax (or stay in touch with friends far away).
Find your healthy balance between the two sides of the screen. When online fun blends seamlessly with your real-life relationships, you’ll find that amazing new experiences can come from enjoying the two together.
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