Many individuals maintain a conflicted relationship with social media, and one aspect of this ambivalence is its potential to detrimentally affect romantic relationships. Unlike decades ago, when this concern wasn't relevant, social media has become an indispensable part of modern society for most people. With each new technological advancement, there arise fresh challenges to one's relationships and social life.
In certain instances, individuals may find themselves excessively fixated on social media, resulting in harm to their romantic partnerships. Are you perhaps one of those individuals? Research has illuminated the impact of social media on the quality of our relationships. For example, a survey involving 205 Facebook users indicated that heightened social media usage correlated with reduced satisfaction in their relationships.
Furthermore, this study revealed that such relationships were susceptible to conflicts related to Facebook, including recurrent feelings of jealousy. Even in the event of a breakup, social media complicates the process of healing and moving forward. It was discovered that checking an ex-partner's profile led to increased distress over the breakup, more negative emotions, and hindered personal growth.
# Over-Sharing
While you might believe it's acceptable to broadcast your latest argument with your boyfriend on Twitter or Facebook, he may not appreciate being so connected. If you tend to over-share, you could be isolating your partner by divulging every minute detail of your life. In reality, excessively sharing relationship issues on social media is not only immature and disrespectful but also impolite.
# Constant Phone CheckingAre you consumed by social networking? Do you perpetually check your Instagram, YouTube, texts, and Twitter on your phone? Few things are as exasperating as trying to converse with your romantic partner while they incessantly check their phone for updates.
# Friend List DramaFriend lists can be a significant source of stress in a relationship, whether it's a new one or long-term. Imagine your girlfriend is friends with 200 guys, many of whom leave suggestive or flirtatious comments on her recent photos. This is hardly a reassuring scenario for a partner. Or what if your boyfriend is friends with a woman you despise or, worse, his ex?
# The Jealousy FactorIf you discover your partner regularly chatting with members of the opposite sex on social media, it could give rise to concerns. This unease can lead to paranoia, jealousy, snooping, and arguments. Intruding into your partner's social media accounts or their friends' pages can be a daunting experience for a couple.
# Nurturing NarcissismFacetime and Skype seem to offer new avenues for self-admiration, don't they? How many people choose chatting partners based on who has the larger Skype window? Furthermore, those with a substantial social media following might start letting the likes inflate their ego. This self-centered attitude can make your partner perceive you as excessively self-absorbed.
# An Open Invitation to FlirtUsing social media can be like extending a formal invitation to flirt. It can be as uncomplicated as using too many emojis or engaging in lengthy interactions with someone commenting on your photos. While you may view these interactions as harmless, consider how you'd feel if you stumbled upon a conversation between your boyfriend and a girl flirting with him through an Instagram photo.
# The Ex-EffectYes, your ex is a part of your past, and your current partner needs to come to terms with that. However, do they really need to see tagged pictures of your ex plastered all over their newsfeed? Staying friends with an ex on social media often leads to trouble. The past should remain in the past, particularly if you're trying to move forward with your future.
# InfidelityThis is the most significant issue associated with social media: cheating and its unfortunate connection. Think about it: if you see an attractive person walking down the street, you see them once, and no harm is done. However, on social media, you can scrutinize their photos and keep them in your thoughts from the comfort of your tablet screen.
# TMI (Too Much Information)You can reveal too much in your relationship without even using words. Revealing too much can manifest as posting alluring and suggestive photos that are better suited for private messages to your partner. This can provoke jealousy and insecurity, particularly when male friends or even strangers, if your photos are public, like and comment on them. Displaying your body provocatively, which should be reserved for your partner's eyes only, can trigger negative emotions and lead to conflicts.
# Over analyzing PostsYour partner posts something seemingly innocuous, and yet you over analyze it. Each time they post something on social media, whether it's a picture of their meal or a selfie, you tend to think it's about you or your relationship. This can make you unnecessarily anxious, always on edge due to the assumptions you've conjured. It's best to take a step back, relax, and let them be.
# Passive-Aggressive PostsInstead of addressing issues directly with your partner, posting vague statuses and quotes on Facebook in the hope that they will notice and change can exacerbate problems. Open communication is essential in any relationship, so if you have an issue with your partner, it's better to talk to them directly rather than airing your grievances on social media. Moreover, your cryptic rants and indirect messages will likely do little more than annoy your friends.