The platforms connecting people around the world are noticed to have effects on each user’s real life connections. Social media impacts relationships in many ways. It has its positive and negative effects.
Social media consists of the platforms where an individual can interact with people from any corner of the world. People are curious and want to explore via social media. This has given us the opportunity to connect with and maintain relationships with people no matter where they are.
At the same time, social media is like a black hole and people are getting sucked into it. There have been cases where individuals are so focused on maintaining their virtual relationships that they have ignored their real-life relationships.
Addressing the social media and its impact on relationships, below are a few of itโs signs
Signs that Social Media is Affecting Your Relationship
Any relationship, may that be friendship, a romantic relationship or a platonic relationship is being catered to by these new age connections.
One of the most prominent signs is you and your partner begin arguing over things related to social media. That includes the amount of time you spend on it, the social media platforms you use, the type of content you consume, the posts you publish and other such topics.ย
When you notice that the conversations in the relationship hover only around things from social media and normal everyday conversations have reduced, take it as a sign to make changes.
Work on your real life relationships.
Under the guidance of experts.
The Positive Effects of Social Media on Relationships
Staying in touch
Social media has provided us the privilege of staying in touch with each other even if there are no regular meet-ups. In fact, social media relationships help keep contact irrespective of the distance between the two people, various situations, different time zones and other factors.
Creates memories
Social media keeps a history of the activity done, which allows it to store memories related to the relationship. It includes messages, pictures, voice notes, links, etc. These memories can be revisited whenever one feels like it. It helps rejuvenate the relationship and cherish the moments.
Various options
Social media does not only include texting or posting platforms. The new age social media connections also include platforms where individuals can connect and play a game together or watch a movie together. Therefore such activities even strengthen and add a different experience to the relationship.
Creates relationships
There are innumerable examples of couples falling in love through social media. They meet on social media, get to know each other via social media and carry it forward to a successful relationship.
It also creates strong friendships. Where people of like minds find each other on social media and go on to become lifelong friends.
The Negative Effects of Social Media on Relationships
Unrealistic expectations
No two relationships can be the same. The individuals involved in each relationship are unique hence they make the relationship unique. Unfortunately, social media has created a very different image of relationships which does not match real relationships. Hence the individuals in the relationship end up getting disappointed when their superficial expectations are not met with.
No quality time
If the members of the relationship are engrossed in social media, they fail to spend time with their partners and ignore their partnerโs needs, emotions and essential conversations. If the relationship is not given time, it tends to fall apart.
Fuels jealousy
Research has proven that the people with higher levels of social media consumption have reported higher levels of jealousy within their relationship. Incase of insecure attachment style, the partner’s higher usage of social media leads to jealousy and eventually disagreement.
Boring life
The life portrayed on social media appears to be very exciting and attractive. Which makes our own life and relationships seem boring or not worth the effort. Hence individuals are inclined to feel they deserve a better life which requires them to make major changes in themselves, their relationships and everything in general.
Social media has its pros and cons. Individuals in the relationship get to decide how they allow social media to impact their relationship.
How to Manage Social Media Use in Relationships?
Unfortunately people are checking their notifications before wishing the ones around them a good morning. Prioritising the outside world more than meaningful relationships has led to a drift between people. This habit can be consciously changed. People can make an effort to refrain from looking at their devices first thing in the morning.
Many prefer texting to in-person conversations. Texting has been beneficial in many ways. Although, when emotions are being discussed, a text does not convey the genuine emotion. Texts may lead to misunderstandings which have been known to hamper relationships. Therefore, it is always beneficial to discuss serious matters inโperson or on a call.
One person in the relationship may be a social butterfly but the other person may not be so social. It is important that they both respect each other’s choice and maintain privacy. Taking your partner’s consent before posting them on your social media is necessary.
At the same time, in case of a fall out in the relationship, some individuals take to social media to defame the other person. Commenting on their posts, publishing posts talking bad about them are a common occurrence.
Avoid using social media as a venting platform. Especially when you wish to vent out about someone else. Let us make a conscious effort to minimise the use of social media and its impact on relationships. Let us keep them as human as possible.
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