Surrounded by social media, relationships are held in a fragile state. Recently social media platforms have been filled with hashtags like #MenAreTrash2k17 followed by pictures/screenshots of men being unfaithful. But why is this becoming so apparent now, and can we really only subject this towards men? Is it that cheating occurs more frequently now, or that social media makes it harder to hide?

I believe the dating world, in general, is different now. With apps like Tinder and Badoo, people don't go out looking for relationships anymore, it's literally in the palm of their hands. And while dating apps and websites have a huge success rate, there is no denying it has changed the way the dating realm works. Even when looking at people who are married, they say social media has open the floodgates for seeing "old flings", "the one that got away", and old friends, all who open up the possibility for cheating.

But is it possible that people aren't cheating more often, they're just getting caught more easily? I believe it could be possible. Everyone is connected in some way, and now with even more accessibility to connect with people, it's nearly impossible to successfully be unfaithful. While personally, I'm glad they get caught, it doesn't seem to stop people. Just because more screenshots are posted or because people share their horror stories, doesn't mean the number of occurrences is slowing down. People continue to connect with others through these platforms and continue to get caught. I believe this has to do with a shift in monogamous culture. Recently, everyone jokes about being a "side chick" and having their number in a guys phone under a mysterious name. Being a side piece has become a social norm, and you rarely see people being shocked about being the "other woman." The respect for relationships has lowered and being the "other person" no longer bothers many people.

So are men really trash? While some can be, this issue is not a mans issue. Men are not the only ones cheating. I believe some men don't put much time into cheating. Men are caught and publicly humiliated for cheating far more often than women because many times men don't go into extreme detail in hiding their unfaithfulness. On the opposite end of the spectrum, some men go so far to hide the other person that they get publicly shamed for it. I read somewhere that men cheat because they're out and they meet someone they are physically attracted to, whereas women cheat for emotional attraction. While obviously there are exceptions in every case, I could see how that statement could be true.

So do people cheat more often now, or is it just that they're more easily caught?

Exact numbers we'll never know, but I believe the access to social media/connections has caught an increase in unfaithful partners. It is not social medias fault, what people do with these connections is entirely up to them. If your partner is willing to cheat, no matter what the circumstances, that it's their wrong decision. You should never put another person through that heartbreak. Not only this, but I believe a sense of respect for relationships and of ourselves should be talked about. No one should be okay with being the "other" person. Out of respect for ourselves, we should be front and center, as the amazing people we are. And we should never disrespect another person's relationship. No matter if you know the person or not, put yourself in that person's position and respect.