Relationships on Social Media

By Uale Tofilau. 04 September 2023, 11:00AM

In the modern digital age, social media has become an ubiquitous platform for communication, connecting people from all corners of the world with just a few taps. With its popularity, it is no surprise that many individuals choose to engage in relationships on social media platforms. However, like every coin has two sides, there are several disadvantages of having a relationship on social media, compromising the emotional well-being and authenticity of one's connection.

Firstly, social media relationships often lack the depth and intimacy that is crucial for a healthy and sustainable bond. Genuine relationships thrive on face-to-face interactions, allowing us to express ourselves fully through non-verbal cues and shared experiences. However, on social media platforms, conversations are limited to text messages or video calls, often resulting in miscommunication and misunderstandings. Without physical presence, affectionate gestures and shared memories, relationships on social media can feel superficial and shallow, making it difficult to develop a strong emotional connection.

Moreover, the inherent public nature of social media can negatively impact relationships. Personal moments and private conversations are often showcased for everyone to witness, affecting the level of privacy and intimacy that individuals desire in relationships. This constant exposure can lead to unnecessary scrutiny and judgment from others, potentially straining the bond between two individuals. The unnecessary involvement and prying eyes of online peers can create a toxic environment that discourages open and honest communication, further weakening the foundation of the relationship.

Additionally, social media can create a false representation of oneself, leading to unrealistic expectations within a relationship. It is tempting to curate an idealized version of ourselves online, presenting only the highlights and achievements while concealing our flaws. As a result, partners may develop unrealistic expectations of their significant other, comparing them to the artificially perfect version projected on social media. Such comparisons can lead to feelings of inadequacy and disappointment when faced with the reality of a flawed and imperfect individual, hindering the growth and happiness within the relationship.

Moreover, being in a relationship on social media can promote jealousy and insecurity. Platforms often encourage users to display their connections through public displays of affection, likes, and comments. However, this can lead to unhealthy competition and constant comparison with others, fueling jealousy and insecurity within the relationship. Furthermore, the ease of connecting with others on social media also increases the risk of emotional infidelity, as boundaries can become blurred, leading to doubts and lack of trust.

In addition to emotional and psychological challenges, the addictive nature of social media can negatively impact relationships. Constantly scrolling through feeds, responding to notifications, and seeking validation from online peers can consume valuable time, leaving little room for meaningful interactions with partners. The addictive nature of social media can create a disconnect, reducing the quality and quantity of time spent together, ultimately weakening the bond between two individuals.

Lastly, social media relationships offer little space for personal development and growth. Relationships thrive when individuals have the freedom to explore their own interests, passions, and aspirations. However, on social media, the focus often shifts from personal growth to maintaining the relationship online. The pressure to constantly update profiles, post pictures together, and seek validation online can hinder individual growth and self-discovery, fostering a sense of dependency rather than independence within the relationship.

In conclusion, while social media can provide a platform for connecting with others, it is important to recognize the disadvantages of having a relationship on these platforms. The lack of depth and intimacy, exposure to public scrutiny, unrealistic expectations, jealousy and insecurity, addictive nature, and hindrance to personal growth all contribute to the potential harm that relationships on social media can cause. Therefore, it is essential to strike a balance between digital and physical interactions, prioritizing genuine and authentic connections in the pursuit of healthy relationships.

By Uale Tofilau. 04 September 2023, 11:00AM
Samoa Observer

Upgrade to Premium

Subscribe to
Samoa Observer Online

Enjoy unlimited access to all our articles on any device + free trial to e-Edition. You can cancel anytime.

>