SOCIAL MEDIA CHANGING THE NATURE OF RELATIONSHIPS IN SOCIETY I

Introduction:

Social media is basically a web technology that facilitates the sharing of the ideas,

thoughts and information, the collective of online communications for the interaction of

people. Simply it is the forms of electronic communications that help users to share their

ideas, opinions and information about anything, personal messages and content like pictures

and videos. It allows people to share content quickly, efficiently and in real time. Many

people define social media as apps on their smart phones or tablets but the truth is this

communication tool started with computers. This misconception stems from the fact that

most social media users access their tools via apps.

According to Matt Goulart; “Social media is about the people not about your

business. Provide for the people and people will provide for you." Another media marketing

director Mike Dilorenzo said that “Social networks aren't about websites. They are about

experiences."

In the present age, social media constantly surrounds us. People are always on their

phones or laptops updating statuses, posting pictures, liking things, and messaging back and

forth with friends. In the pre-commercial internet era, people's bonding was very different. It

consisted of one-on-one conversations with others. Interaction was on a more personal level

back then. In 21st century, one-on-one conversations are becoming rare. Moat interactive

activities have given way to social media. People now spend time posting pictures, updates,

statuses and memes. In a slow but steady form, humans have somehow distanced themselves,

both from themselves and from the people closest to them.

Submitted by Usama Khalid

SOCIAL MEDIA CHANGING THE NATURE OF RELATIONSHIPS IN SOCIETY II

Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, Whatsapp, YouTube, TikTok are some types

of social media apps, where people share their day to day happenings through different

content..

Impacts:

It gives people a way to stay in touch with people who live far away. It lets people

share fun, interesting and informative content. One of the problems is that anybody can share

anything, including material that may not be accurate. In some cases, real harm is done when

people spread inflammatory, unverified or outright false information. This can harm private

individuals. It can also have a harmful impact on society as a whole. Social media has

undoubtedly blown up the world of beginning, maintaining, and ending relationships.

Although social media is extremely beneficial in several ways like self expression,

communicating with long-distance friends, self-identity, emotional support, and so on, it does

have a negative impact on mental health. Social media can be very influential on society in

both positive and negative ways. There is a positive and negative impact of social media on

society. Social media has revolutionized the way people communicate and socialize on the

web.

Positive Effects:

Social media has definitely made us closer to other parts of the world. We can contact

anyone around the world at any time. Since they have paved a new way for interaction

between the two. Social media has impacted how relationships grow and sustain

themselves. It has allowed relationships to be established and sustained from a physical

distance. Not only has social media changed how we initiate and maintain relationships, it has

Submitted by Usama Khalid

SOCIAL MEDIA CHANGING THE NATURE OF RELATIONSHIPS IN SOCIETY III

also impacted our ability to end them and move on with our lives. It can Reduce physical

distances. Long distance relationships are never easy. But couples or families who have to

spend time apart for long periods can still feel close to each other. It helps us to Staying in

touch: College means your children will ultimately move out of your house. They will have

to start their own lives. You can follow what’s happening in their lives over social media. Just

reach out to them, and offer support and guidance.

Negative Effects:

Social media may have “ruined dating,” in the sense that the courtship process can

now occur almost entirely over the internet and decrease the incentive to make a

commitment. The search for perfection may make you even less likely to commit, especially

when potential flaws or incompatibilities emerge. Social media can cause mental health

issues. Mental health issues such as depression and anxiety can cause problems in a

relationship. Seeing your partner suffer from depression and anxiety can be really heart

breaking to see. Sometimes the lines between social media and reality can get blurry, causing

mental health issues. Social media can also cause infidelity This is the worst of the worst.

There are so many couples who have caught their partners cheating via means of social

media. Social media distracts you from your own relationships, which makes it harder for you

to be present. Therefore it makes it easier to start something with someone online. Social

media addiction is a very real phenomenon, especially among children. It can have serious

impacts on your ability to communicate and form relationships in real life.

Conclusion:

My view point is relationships are effected a lot due to social media usage. It is no

easy task to quantify the positive and negative impacts of social media. Especially on

Submitted by Usama Khalid

SOCIAL MEDIA CHANGING THE NATURE OF RELATIONSHIPS IN SOCIETY IV

relationships. Social media can be a great way of communication, but as you can see, it also

has its pitfalls. It could lead to distance in a relationship, infidelity, or even addictions to

social media. If used too much, social media could also lead to depression and anxiety, which

will affect a person’s relationships with those around them. Therefore before you spend hours

on social media, rather try to have real-life conversations with your friends and loved ones.

Submitted by Usama Khalid