Impact of social media on social relationships
To say social media has had a profound effect on how individuals interact is certainly not overstating the facts. Social media has become an integral part in people’s life and has continuously proven to be a precursor in formulation of social relationship.
There are various facets, when one tries to decipher how social media impacts an individual’s social relationship. It has created a platform which allows people to connect in ways that weren’t possible in the past. It allows interacting with people in similar situations and sharing worries, fears, and celebrations. Up to 64% of teens report they have made a new friend online, for example, and 83% of teens report that social media makes them feel more connected with their friends. In times of pandemic, it has also made it possible that the functioning of various organisations does not come to a halt (The new trend of Zoom meetings has made global connectivity less challenging). At the same time, one needs to also understand the other side of the coin. With the advent of newer applications, statistics have reported increasing cases of mental issues as well. These mental issues stem from the habit of comparing oneself to others, based on their social media persona. Even though the “why” of social media stems from connection, lately, social media has significantly impacted the quality time being spent with close ones. It has further led to a projection of reality, which is now trying to define right and wrong.
As it is often said, Life is all about balance, and the same goes for social media. People need to understand the difference between the reel and the real. In a generation of I-phones, I-macs, I-touch, let us not lose up the “we’s” and the “us” Use it for the right purpose, and avoid letting it govern your daily life.