Depending on your age or demographic group, social media generally elicits a pretty strong reaction. If you are Generation Z, a young millennial, or even younger, you were raised on the internet and social media. You may struggle to see life without it. However, if you are a Baby Boomer or Generation X, you weren’t raised on either and likely have some differing opinions.
Regardless of your age, social media is now firmly woven into the fabric of our culture. One survey noted that 70 percent of Americans use social media with some frequency.
Consider how this might impact relationships:
Top 5 Ways Social Media Harms Relationships
1. Addiction
Research shows that we get a neurochemical “high” and feel rewarded when others interact with us on social media. As a result, many people spend way too much time on various social media platforms. This often detracts from quality time with your partner. Moreover, even without social media distraction, many couples already struggle to find device-free, quality time together.
2. Distorted Expectations
It is easy to be negatively influenced by what people post online. This can cause distorted expectations such as life should be constantly exciting or that you should physically look a certain way. Some research suggests that these expectations can lead to disappointment, boredom, and sometimes even depression.
3. Increased Conflict
Research has suggested, too, that spending lengthy periods of time on social media leads to more relationship conflict. An additional study suggested that those who share a lot of personal information on social media tend to have lower relationship satisfaction.
4. Body Image Challenges
There is also analysis pointing toward a link between social media and negative body image especially for women (but also includes some men). Other, extended research found that negative body image in women also impacted marital quality and satisfaction in both partners.
5. Jealousy and Affairs
While social media often assists us in finding a new partner, it is often the cause of relationships ending when someone reconnects with or discovers a partner or friend from their past. Consequently, this can lead to jealousy or provide an all-too-common pathway toward reconnecting with an old flame while they’re still in committed relationships.
Top 5 Ways Social Media Helps Relationships
1. Finding a Partner
There’s no question that social media often plays a big role in helping singles meet one another. Surveys clearly show that meeting over the internet has far surpassed old school ways (friends, family, bars) of connecting with someone new.
2. Long-distance Relationships
Long-distance relationships are uniquely able to benefit from social media. It really does help partners stay connected. Also, it allows for close access to one another’s worlds despite being so far away from one another.
3. Sparks Conversations
In a Pew Research survey, 75 percent of respondents noted that social media helps spark interesting conversations with their partners. This can add novelty and increase a sense of connection in long-term relationships.
4. Relive Good times
One clear benefit of social media is that it does a very good job of curating the past, reminding us of historical events, milestones, and past celebrations. The most popular social media platform, Facebook, does this especially well. These happy memory reminders can enhance a relationship and positively influence relationship satisfaction.
5. Growth Potential
Social media offers the ability to follow or read educational information from experts of all kinds. This includes relationship experts. So, used optimally, social media allows couples to learn about themselves as well as healthy relationship patterns and practices.
Overall, it’s clear that social media cuts both ways in relationships.
Employed wisely, it is a valuable resource for you and the health of your relationship. However, there are many pitfalls as well that can detract from having a satisfying connection. Finally, if you and your partner are struggling to utilize social media in healthy ways, don’t wait. Get the support you need in relationship counseling.