In our modern world, our lives tend to revolve around social media. We check and post on social media apps way more often than we care to admit. I myself am guilty of this, and consider myself a regular user of Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat. However, being in a serious relationship, I began to truly see the effects that social media has on relationships (not only on romantic relationships but friendships as well).
If you really think about it, a lot of fights in relationships stem from social media. A lot of fear and trust issues come from what we see on these apps. We begin to ask ourselves questions based on what we see on our significant others' social media. If you're a female, you definitely have asked these questions in your mind multiple times (don't be afraid to admit it):
Why did he like those girls' pictures on Instagram? Why is he sending Snapchats to those girls? Why did he add all of those slutty-looking girls? Why am I seeing a post of him hanging out with these girls and he didn't even tell me?
Although many of those things he does on social media may have no meaning, we form deeper meanings in our minds based on what we see. Why? Simply because social media has begun to play too big of a role in our modern world. If it's on social media, it must mean something, right?
Not only does social media have an effect on romantic relationships, but friendships as well. Similarly to romantic relationships, we ask ourselves questions based on what we see.
Why are they all hanging out without me? Why is she her best friend on Snapchat and I'm not? Why is she in her profile picture and I'm not?
For both types of relationships, social media generates curiosity. Once we see one little thing, we begin to wonder whether they're hiding things from us. Am I not good enough for him? Do my friends not really like me? Often instead of effectively communicating, we let those hurt feelings build up and end up fighting with the people we love.
Not only does social media directly affect our relationships, but our perceptions of relationships as well. Just because you have 1,000 followers on Instagram, doesn't mean you have 1,000 friends in reality. Many people place too much importance on their friends/followers on these social media apps instead of focusing on their real-life relationships. Not only that, but just because a couple or friends look happy and perfect on social media, doesn't mean that problems within the relationship don't exist.
I'll leave you with something to think about. How many times when you're with your significant other or friends do you check your social media apps? Imagine how much stronger your relationships would be if you focused on each other instead. If social media wasn't a thing, so many pointless fights would be avoided. However, it doesn't seem to be going away anytime soon. So what can you do to improve your relationships?
Limit your usage of these social media apps and when you do see something you don't like, try not to jump to conclusions and peacefully communicate about it.
