Social media is a digital technology that allows the sharing of information, ideas, opinions, thoughts, and many other things. As a result of social media, we are now able to pay more attention to and take part in the lives of the people we care about, including our partners.
Some of the influences of social media on relationships are that we feel more connected to people—we talk and share in their everyday activities; we share our friendship with the world, it also makes long-distance relationships more manageable, all of which may be advantageous or harmful. In some cases, social media has been reported to negatively affect relationships and the mental health of couples. Most users are often displeased by what they are exposed to on many social media platforms.
HARMFUL IMPACTS OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON RELATIONSHIP
Social networking may be beneficial, but it can also seriously damage a relationship. Here are some harmful impacts of social media on relationships:
Negative Comparisons
We may more easily compare our spouse to other individuals or our relationship to other partnerships unfavorably because of social media. This may affect our dedication to one another, which might result in treachery and perhaps the breakup of the relationship.
A recent study found that people’s love relationships are less fulfilling the more social media dominates their lives. Relationship happiness may decline as a result of people making erroneous comparisons based on what they observe in other relationships.
Reduced Time Spent With Spouse
Relationships may suffer from social media because of the quantity and quality of time spent apart. If someone is absorbed in social media, they could miss their spouse or become agitated if they are interrupted. Whether we like it or not, social media does shorten the time we spend together, which may lower our sense of fulfillment and connection and, if uncontrolled, eventually result in a social media addiction.
Envy/Jealousy
Social networking can lead to “retroactive jealousy”. A condition in which an individual becomes enraged about their partner’s past relationships even when those relationships have no bearing on the present one. This is caused by digital traces of prior romantic relationships, social comparison (e.g., comparing yourself to your partner’s ex), or uncertainty (e.g. when you start to doubt the stability of your relationship after learning about your partner’s history on social media).
Conflict Resulting from Arguments or Feelings
Relationship problems might arise between couples due to varying opinions about what constitutes appropriate behavior on social media. For instance, you could support banning former partners from social media, but your spouse might not. Or you might share something on social media that your partner requested not be seen. Or you might not reveal anything that your partner would have preferred that you did. All of these behaviors have the potential to cause resentment and confrontation.
BENEFITS OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON RELATIONSHIPS
Social networking may also be beneficial to your relationship. Study has shown that exchanging information between spouses and publicly expressing affection might have favorable effects. Some said knowing what their partner is doing allows them sleep well at night. Below are some benefits of social media on relationships.
Boosts Long-distance Relationships
Relationships have benefited from social media in several cases. It can help couples who are in long-distance relationships, for instance. Social media can provide people a sense of connection if they must be apart for an extended amount of time. They may easily access one other’s private moments and daily lives that they would not otherwise be able to.
Connecting Singles
Meeting singles is a lot of fun with social media. Dating apps and websites are here to stay in the world of online dating. Meeting people online and developing friendships and relationships that way appears to be the tale of how many people meet these days, in an era where a lot more things happen digitally. From the comfort of your home, social networking may help you meet new acquaintances, dates, adventure groups, and single people. With very little risk involved, it might be a terrific way to get to know someone.
HOW TO KNOW IF A RELATIONSHIP IS BEING AFFECTED BY SOCIAL MEDIA
Social media can have a good effect on ones relationship or a bad effect. It is crucial to identify the symptoms a soon as possible so as to take action before further harm is done.
The following are indicators that a relationship is being affected my social media:
- Diminished quality time spent together, especially in the evenings when you should be reconnecting at the end of the day.
- A sense of separation or detachment.
- Rather than asking your partner directly, you might find out about significant events in their lives via social media.
- A rise in arguments about postings, usage, and other aspects of social media by your partner.
- An obsession with monitoring their accounts to make sure they are not doing anything you find objectionable.
- Secrecy between the two of you concerning your postings and social media profiles.
- Difficulties with negative body image brought on by social media comparisons and unattainable standards.
WHAT TO DO IF A RELATIONSHIP IS AFFECTED BY SOCIAL MEDIA
If you find yourself struggling to balance relationships with social media, it might be time to consult a licensed couples therapist. A couples therapist can assist you in moving forward and regaining happiness in your relationship if you have attempted to communicate but discover that you are having the same talk over and over again or that it is getting more heated.
If you’re feeling more and more cut off from your spouse, it’s another indication that it’s time to get treatment. Even though every relationship experiences highs and lows, couples therapy might be helpful if you are struggling to rekindle your bond.
Furthermore, if social media caused you and your spouse to suffer betrayal—for example, via an affair or dishonesty—a licensed mental health professional may assist you in moving past the betrayal and repairing the relationship. If a betrayal leads you to decide to quit the relationship, a therapist can support you through the breakup.
CONCLUDING REMARKS REGARDING SOCIAL MEDIA & RELATIONSHIPS
While social media helps keep individuals in touch with friends and family, it can also have a detrimental effect on other connections. To prevent it from happening, you don’t need to fully cut off social media from your lives. The influence that social media has on your relationship may be favorably shifted with awareness, communication, and limits.
