Social media’s impact on human relationships is like a double-edged sword, capable of fostering both connection and disconnection. In this digital age, social media has woven itself into our daily routines from the moment we wake up, to the minutes before we fall asleep. While those that are geographically divided would argue that social media fosters connectivity with their partners and family members, others counter that argument saying that social media affects in-person interaction quality leading to relationship dissatisfaction.
Social media can affect relationships in the following positive ways.
Enhance Interconnectedness
Social media offers various communication channels that serves as a bridge spanning vast distances. Given the geographical dispersion of family members and friends, particularly across different cities, states, or even countries, platforms like Instagram and Facebook serve as expedient channels for maintaining contact among distant acquaintances.
These social media platforms are used by individuals to share updates on their lives and their partners, be it spouses or offsprings and usually includes snapshots or short videos capturing and sharing memorable family and life occasions. Users of these platforms also have the flexibility to take charge and fine-tune their privacy settings, thereby regulating the extent of personal information shared, be it via individual or group messaging. Real-time video chat features currently integrated by various social media applications reinforces the sense of interconnectedness between individuals.
Enhance Communication
In 2020, a thorough review was conducted by seasoned clinical psychologist Margaret E. Morris, Ph.D., author of “Left to Our Own Devices: Outsmarting Smart Technology to Reclaim Our Relationships, Health, and Focus,” to look at how technology is used in a variety of relational dynamics. Morris believed that the relationship is valued by the way in which technology is used, not just the kind of technology that is employed.
Morris’s research findings elaborate on the various benefits provided by a variety of technological instruments. She gives an example of how a parent introducing their child to a self-help app can be a positive way to handle conflict. Morris also highlights the additional communication element that is made possible by the sharing of visual content on social media platforms in the context of romantic relationships. When people use messaging apps like WhatsApp in addition to texting each other during heated situations, they can give themselves the necessary time and mental space to express themselves clearly, especially when face-to-face conversation becomes difficult.
Encourages Amorous Contentment
When it comes to romantic relationships, social media can inadvertently be a means of improving sexual satisfaction, especially when it comes to the use of pornography on these sites.
Results from a 2019 study with 379 participants revealed a significant association between the use of pornography and higher degrees of sexual satisfaction in romantic relationships. On the other hand, people’s perceptions of this improvement varied depending on things like their sexual impulsive tendencies and degree of sexual confidence.
On the other hand, these are the negative effects of social media on relationships.
Encourages Deficits in Function
Interpersonal interactions conducted through social media in place of in-person conversations may have negative effects on both the inclination to establish new relationships and existent ones.
While some researchers emphasize the need for more research into the relationship between social anxiety and social media use, people who suffer from social anxiety may experience ongoing functional limitations—like discomfort or the inability to form and maintain in-person rapport—when choosing virtual interactions over in-person interactions.
Furthermore, relying too much on social media could lead to a failure to develop or maintain real connections.
Reduces Relational Satisfaction and Temporal Engagement
Overindulgence in social media can lead to a reduction in the amount of quality time spent with others, cause conflict, and lower relationship satisfaction in both romantic and platonic contexts. In a recent investigation, researchers examined the association between social media use and relationship satisfaction using Instagram’s time-tracking feature.
Their research showed that more Instagram usage was positively correlated with lower relationship satisfaction, which in turn was associated with higher conflict and less favorable results. Moreover, discontent, conflict, and unfavorable outcomes generated an obsessive dependence on Instagram.
Giving in to your partner on a daily basis, on the other hand, enhanced relationship satisfaction and decreased the likelihood of conflict and unfavorable outcomes.
However, there’s a pertinent issue with the “phubbing” phenomenon: ignoring someone in public because you’re too caught up on your phone. People are effectively “phubbing” each other when they meet for a face-to-face meeting, for example, and one of them keeps checking notifications and browsing social media.
Many scholarly studies confirm the general consensus that “phubbing” is rude and against social norms. People who become victims of “phubbing,” or being approached by “phubbees,” have reported a discernible decrease in their emotional intimacy, empathy, and social confidence.
Moreover, “phubbing” can trigger increased jealousy between romantic partners, which could lead to a breakdown in their relationship and a decrease in their level of satisfaction.
Furnishes an Avenue for Infidelity-Linked Conduct
“Infidelity-linked behaviors,” which include communicating with other partners, have the potential to cause relationship dissatisfaction, separations, and ultimately, divorce. Such actions are facilitated by social media.
While there is still a dearth of empirical data about the relationship between social media infidelity-linked behaviors (SMIRB) and marriage, research efforts are expanding.
As an illustration, a 2017 study of 338 married or cohabiting couples on SMIRB revealed the frequency of these occurrences. Participants in the study completed a custom survey in addition to standard procedures like the Quality of Marriage Index and Experiences in Close Relationship Scale-Short Form. The subjects of interrogation included affective states, confidentiality, and internet interactions.
Although a small percentage of participants admitted to engaging in infidelity-related social media activities, researchers observed a clear correlation between increased engagement in these activities and lower relationship satisfaction, increased relational ambivalence, and various other relational difficulties.