How has social media affected our ability to form and maintain relationships? Social media has touched our lives in so many ways, from "friending" a long lost friend to searching for love to finding a business connection that might not have otherwise been discovered. These digital connections have undeniably left a gigantic impact on how we socialize in today's society. This widely discussed topic has fueled many heated debates throughout the scientific community, and with no concrete answer as to whether social media is beneficial or detrimental, it has left this topic wide open for discussion. Pamela Rutledge, the director of the Media Psychology Research Center in Boston, writes how social media can be used as an effective tool in dealing with relationships. She went on to state, "People feel safer online and therefore disclose more information about their true selves". Moreover, she explains that online relationships are often based more on substance and less on looks. My question is, what about the people that display different personalities online than in person? And when looking for a romantic relationship, how likely are you to communicate with someone that does not put a face with their profile...bit scary!!! The dangers of social media with respect to relationships are without question, deeply disturbing. Some of the dangers include a shared history, adultery, loss of connection with individuals, invasion of privacy, weak security, and the list goes on and on. As you can see, the pros and cons on cultivating relationships online are vast and open to individual perception. The question that has always interested me is, does social networking allow for stronger connections with people? We would like to hear your thoughts and ideas on this topic...http://www.ncatregister.com/theyard/social-media-s-impact-on-relationships-good-or-bad/article_cc4d9476-75a4-11e2-a8d5-001a4bcf6878.html
http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/positively-media/201305/7-myths-about-social-media-and-relationships
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865576858/Social-media-impacts-real-relationships.html?pg=all
Social networking has often been blamed for people losing vital communication skills.
ReplyDeleteConcerning the connections made through social networking, on one hand, people can relate to each other through their "likes" on Facebook, but on the other hand, as you get to know someone, you find out what their interests are, along with how they act and communicate. Maybe social networking can help people find others with the same interests, but interaction is an extremely important aspect of any relationship.
We think so too! Thanks for the comment Leeanna
DeleteSocial networks can definitely affect relationships in many ways. This can be from people connecting with people they shouldn't be connecting with behind their significant other's back(not speaking from experience), to people surfing social media while they are out to dinner with their significant other. Many fights have been started or at least fueled with me and my wife when we are trying to have a nice night and she is sitting there on her phone checking Facebook. Facebook has not only united many people, it also destroys many relationships.
ReplyDeleteIt is SO frustrating to try to have dinner with someone when they are on their phones the entire night. Thanks for the comment Garrett!
DeleteI find that there are both positive and negative effects of social networks on relationships.
ReplyDeleteOn Twitter I feel more connected to people that I wouldn't ordinarily know by traditional means because on Twitter you only talk to people who are interested in the same kinds of things that you are, so it's really easy to make and cultivate a connection with someone else.
With Facebook, I find myself getting a better sense of the people who I do know by traditional means, but who I don't regularly see and interact with...I get to see a bunch of information about them and what they like, and we can post and interact with each other online when it is convenient for everyone, etc.
Plus I find it much easier for me to organize events on Facebook where we all end up getting together and physically meeting to have a good time.
I believe the problems arise when you start to snoop into things that don't concern you or reading in too much on what you see online. Another biggie is when people can't put down their mobile devices and just enjoy the moment. They are more concerned with letting people know what they are doing in their lives instead of actually living them.
Social networks have definitely made an impact on my life, both positive and negative. It's a great way to meet new people but anytime I am in a relationship there are always fights about people that I added as friends or pictures that I've "liked". Also, similar to what Garrett said, I have a difficult time putting down my phone. I find myself checking on my different apps when I am out to dinner with friends when I should be communicating with them. I think that these social networks are great overall but must be used in moderation.
ReplyDeleteOne of the most annoying things ever is to be out with family or friends and someone is constantly checking social media sites! That being said, social media sites have helped to cultivate and grow many friendships especially with those that live far away. I know from my life, sometimes it is easier to connect through social media because of time differences and different schedules.
ReplyDeleteI think social media has wrecked relationships because there is no trust anymore because your counter part can go on any social media website and "check-in" on you. This is only the case if you put what you are doing on Twitter or Facebook all the time. Some people can't help but to tweet or post what they are doing. The girlfriend or boyfriend might not like it and then here comes the argument. I have seen this happen to several of my friends. I think it is because we have become dependent on social media.
ReplyDeleteI too believe that relationships are ruined by social Because you can talk to multiple people from your past or meet new people. So if you are in a relationship it is tricky do you give the password to the person so that they can creep on you an who you talk to, or what you like. Or do you not then it looks like you are hiding something. Social networking can make or break the relationship because of all the avenues that it can lead a person down,
ReplyDeleteI think networking is the best way to build connections with other individuals. I think being behind a computer on social media or other internet working sites separate us from one another. If we are in front of a computer screen we are not out meeting new people and building new relationships. The only way to truly build a connection with someone is being with other individuals and having experiences. Behind a computer screen you can put up a mask and make up lies about yourself whereas in person you get to fully assess other people.
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