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How Social Media Effects Relationships

Internet communication has made a significant impact on modern-day relationships. Research has shown that social media use can both positively and negatively affect relationships. As we are living in a digital age, it is important to understand how internet communication is and will impact personal relationships. 

Impact of Internet Communication on Relationships

Communication in relationships has changed drastically over time. With new technology and resources, there has been increased accessibility in mobile communication that directly affects relationships. 

Texting on phones and direct messaging on social media apps has ensured constant communication between individuals. Since communication is one of the most important essentials to maintaining a healthy relationship, it is important to understand how internet communication can positively and negatively impact a relationship. 

Common communication formats can positively impact relationships, such as FaceTime. FaceTime is such a positive addition to communication in relationships, specifically in long-distance relationships. FaceTime can help "narrow the distance" between loved ones, allowing the opportunity to connect with each other in a personal way. 

On the other end of the spectrum, miscommunication and misunderstandings can significantly hurt a relationship.  Constantly communicating through a screen can quickly become complicated. 

So many people hide behind a screen to avoid facing their problems, and this applies to relationships as well. Instead of facing their significant other in a difficult situation, people are becoming comfortable resorting to texting through hard conversations. These conversations can lead to miscommunication which can severely hurt a relationship.

Impact of Social Media on Jealousy and Trust

Social media has made it easier to connect with new people. This increased accessibility can be a positive aspect for singles, but a terrifying fear for couples that can bring out jealousy and trust issues within a relationship. 

"Micro-cheating" on social media is an unfortunate and real issue in modern relationships. The Daily Nebraskan discusses how micro-cheating can impact a relationship, "A like on a photo turns into flirting, snapping a friend equates to cheating, and every photo involving someone of their preferred sex other than one’s partner is competition." 

These comparisons and intrusive thoughts can severely hurt a relationship. Overthinking about who your partner is following, what posts they are liking, and wondering why they aren't posting about you can lead to major doubts and trust issues between a couple. 

Social media can also give unreal expectations about relationships. We all have friends who post about their "perfect" lives and their "perfect" relationship, and it is easy to get caught comparing ourselves and our relationships to the standards set on social media. No relationship is perfect, but that's hard to believe when you see everyone's happiness posted on a daily basis. It's important to remember that social media is a highlight reel and no matter how perfect a person or a relationship seems, there is always something hidden on the other side of the screen. 

Impact of Social Media on Breakups 

Social media, without a doubt, complicates breakups. Moving on from a relationship is already such a difficult process and social media can drag that on for an unhealthy amount of time. 

While some people make a clean break from their exes (blocking them on every platform), it may be a more difficult process for others. Before social media, it was easier to get distance from your ex, but today that is almost impossible. Unwanted posts, unexpected memories from the past, and surprising friend requests even years after a relationship ends, can significantly damage someone's mental health and bring back old heartache.  

Social media can sometimes prolong the healing process after a breakup and can create unhealthy habits for a broken heart. Social media makes it very easy to track an ex and monitor their activities, establishing an unhealthy relationship between yourself and your social media use. 

Conclusion

Social media has a significant impact on dating and it will likely continue to shape the way we approach relationships in the future.