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In what ways does social media effect relationships?

According to the Institute for Family Studies, around 40% of marriages in the United States end in divorce. Additionally, one in ten partnered adults met their significant other online. We can only wonder if these rapidly increasing statistics just so happen to be related to one another. There was once a time where meeting someone or having a conversation required a face to face interaction rather than just a swipe, text, or a phone call. I believe having such accessibility to these features has resulted in this spike. Theodore Rossevelt once said, “Comparison is the thief of joy” implying that constantly comparing yourself to others will lead to a life of dissatisfaction. Social media provides an alternate universe consisting of each user’s “highlight reel” showing only the positive aspects of their everyday life. It is easy to be blinded by this fact and find yourself losing sense of not only your own reality but reality of the world as well. This reality is the fact that we are all different people and there is no one way of life. Seeing perfectly curated images of what seems like the perfectly happy couple may lead people to question their own romantic relationships. Chasing a false and unattainable definition of “perfect” results in this relationship instability. 

The concept of accessibility is frequently brought up in the conversation of the media’s impact on relationships. In the 21st Century we now have the ability to stay in touch with those we love all over the world with the use of video calls, instant messaging, and social media updates. Long distance relationships, once found to be nearly impossible to maintain, now thrive daily with the help of easy digital interaction. While this sounds nothing but positive, the constant expectation of immediate replies and availability can create immense pressure and misunderstanding in a relationship. Having digital dependence leads to blurred healthy boundaries and a harder time disconnecting and enjoying presence in your own worlds, offline. 

Before the use of technology, rates of infidelity were at an all time low. With social media presents, this statistic has increased to 40-60% of relationships and marriages ending due to cheating. Social media and dating apps allow individuals to connect and communicate with others efficiently and discreetly. Having this ability at your finger tips significantly increases the “dating pool” of possible alternative partners without the need for a face to face connection. This lack of in person connection can give the illusion that there is no unfaithful behavior because of no physical interaction. It is also important to note that there are a number of dating apps designed specifically for those in committed relationships or married and seeking extramarital affairs outside of their current relationship. With the help of technology and social media, the idea of infidelity has become something “normalized” and no longer seen as a big deal. 

[ Infidelity has reached a record high since the introduction of technology]

Image by Moraya Seeger DeGeare

Navigating a romantic relationship without the factor of technology can already be a difficult task for many. It is important to understand the workings of technology both positively and negatively. By finding a healthy balance between the real world and the online world, relationship stability can easily be insured. 

Resources

Çulfa, Ekrem, Ferah Diba Izgı, and Furkan Çulfa. “How the internet and social media affect and shapes romantic relationships?.” Kastamonu İnsan ve Toplum Dergisi 2.4 (2024): 383-410.

Yacoub, Christine, et al. “The impact of social media on romantic relationships.” Journal of Education and Social Development 2.2 (2018): 53-58.