Social Media and Relationships

Are there benefits and risks of engaging in social media?

As with anything there are always pros and cons. With social media and relationships it can be a little tricky to navigate. Social media changes the speed that we can connect with others. We can chat with another person almost instantly. With that speed of change and connecting virtually, it also changes the way that we communicate with others. Relationships are not as interpersonal as they once were. There are no meaningful deep conversations, now people use more slang in conversation such as BRB for "be right back". Often those communicate via Facetime with loved ones far. This takes away moments that could be created, such as cooking Sunday dinner as a family.

With social media, it is easy to compare ourselves with others. Many envy others, without seeing their true life. 

Social media can change our moods and how we react to those around us. Being on social media can affect our sleep and diet. It sounds crazy, right? Think about those nights that you are having difficulty falling asleep, I am sure you grab your phone and scroll scroll scroll. By being online, you are less likely to get a good nights rest. Without a good nights rest, you grab a caffeinated beverage and start your day. Social media goes hand in hand with our mental health. 

Social media can be a distraction from spending time with our loved ones.

Family Relationships-

Benefits: Connecting at any moment with loved one both near and far

Risks: Feeling the need that the in person connection is not needed, memories are lost

Online Dating-

Benefits: Getting to know someone at your own pace, behind your computer

Risks: Possible that the person could be hiding behind a fake profile, not genuine

Long Distance Relationships-

Benefits: Connecting at any moment

Risks: Losing the in person connection that was built with this person

Professional Relationships-

Benefits: Being able to work outside of work

Risks: Allowing the professional relationship in your personal life

The psychology behind social media use:

Social capital theory: that social relationships are resources that can lead to the development and accumulation of human capital.

• Bonding
• Bridging
• Linking

The types of behaviors people commonly exhibit:

Social media contributes to building a sense of connectedness with others.

Addiction to smartphone/tablet/social media

The online and offline implications of these actions:

Reduce isolation offline- connecting with others online

While smartphones are bringing individuals closer, they are pull people apart

How to Benefit from Social Media

• Limit the time you spend on social media platforms.
• Monitor your own emotions and reactions- think before you act.
• Remember do not compare yourself to others.
• Set goals for your business relationships.
• Maintain a balance between your social media life and personal life.

Reference:

Butler, B. S., & Matook, S. (2015). Social media and relationships. The International Encyclopedia of Digital Communication and Society, 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781118767771.wbiedcs097