Social media platforms have completely changed how people connect, communicate, and build relationships. This has brought forth both opportunities and challenges for modern relationships. Social media has ingrained itself into our everyday lives in the digital age and has a significant impact on many facets of human interaction, including relationships. Even though social media presents previously unheard-of chances for connection and communication, its impact on contemporary relationships goes much beyond practical considerations. The dynamics of interpersonal relationships can be influenced by a wide range of psychological factors, both positively and negatively, under the surface.

Social media encourages connectedness and closeness between spouses by enabling real-time communication across geographic boundaries. Platforms like Facebook and Tinder provide avenues for individuals to meet like-minded partners, fostering relationship formation based on shared interests and values. Social media offers a platform for individuals to express love, affection, and support publicly, breaking down barriers and promoting transparency in relationships. Through text-based interactions, social media enables individuals to seek emotional support from friends and family during challenging times, strengthening relationship bonds. Research has shown that frequent exposure to highly curated social media content can lead to unfavourable social comparisons, where individuals perceive their own lives and relationships as inferior to those depicted online. For example, seeing friends or acquaintances posting about lavish vacations, extravagant gifts, or seemingly perfect relationships can evoke feelings of envy and dissatisfaction within one's own relationship.

Despite its benefits, social media can also have detrimental psychological impacts on modern relationships. The curated nature of social media content can lead to unrealistic relationship expectations and body image issues as individuals compare their lives to idealised portrayals. Misinterpretation of online interactions can breed jealousy and insecurity, leading to feelings of mistrust and surveillance within relationships. Text-based communication lacks nonverbal cues present in face-to-face interactions, increasing the likelihood of misunderstandings and conflicts within relationships. Excessive social media use can decrease the quality time spent together, potentially leading to dissatisfaction and a sense of disconnection in relationships.

A major psychological impact of social media on contemporary relationships is the widespread practice of social comparison. Social media sites such as Facebook and Instagram are frequently used as exhibition spaces for carefully curated accounts of individuals' lives, showcasing their accomplishments, encounters, and connections. People in love relationships may experience emotions of inadequacy and insecurity as a result of their ongoing exposure to idealised images.  Social media has also emerged as a breeding ground for jealousy and trust issues within romantic relationships. The ease of access to partners' online profiles, coupled with the ambiguous nature of digital interactions, can trigger feelings of jealousy and suspicion. Simple actions such as liking a post or commenting on a photo can ignite insecurities and raise questions about fidelity and commitment. Moreover, the temptation to reconnect with past flames or engage in clandestine conversations with strangers online can erode trust between partners. Instances of infidelity facilitated by social media, commonly referred to as "digital cheating," have become increasingly prevalent, further exacerbating trust issues and destabilising relationships.

Social media perpetuates a culture of constant connectivity and information overload, fostering a fear of missing out (FOMO) among individuals in romantic relationships. The pressure to stay updated on partners' online activities can lead to feelings of anxiety and insecurity, especially when perceiving that their partner is having more fun or engaging with others more frequently. Moreover, excessive use of social media can create a digital disconnect within relationships, where individuals prioritize virtual interactions over real-life connections. Spending excessive amounts of time scrolling through feeds or engaging in online conversations can detract from quality time spent with partners, leading to feelings of neglect and dissatisfaction.

Social media platforms offer a platform for individuals to seek validation and affirmation from their peers, including romantic partners. The gratification derived from receiving likes, comments, and shares on posts can influence individuals' self-esteem and sense of self-worth. For some, the validation obtained through social media interactions serves as a source of reassurance and validation within their relationships. However, an overreliance on external validation from social media can have detrimental effects on relationship dynamics. Individuals may prioritise cultivating a favourable online persona over fostering genuine connections with their partners, leading to a superficial and inauthentic portrayal of their relationship.

The blurring of boundaries between public and private spheres in the digital age raises significant privacy concerns within romantic relationships. Oversharing intimate details or disclosing personal information online can lead to discomfort and resentment, as partners may have differing expectations regarding what should be shared publicly. Additionally, the ease of access to partners' online profiles can tempt individuals to engage in intrusive behaviours, such as snooping through their partner's messages or monitoring their online activity. These boundary violations can erode trust and undermine the foundation of the relationship, creating tension and resentment between partners.

To navigate the psychological impact of social media on modern relationships effectively, individuals can implement the following strategies:

  • Balancing Digital Interactions: Maintaining a balance between digital interactions and face-to-face communication is essential for fostering emotional intimacy and understanding in relationships.
  • Open Communication: Establishing open communication about boundaries, expectations, and concerns regarding social media usage can help mitigate misunderstandings and conflicts within relationships.
  • Limiting Surveillance: Avoiding excessive monitoring of online activities to prevent unhealthy surveillance that erodes trust within relationships is crucial for maintaining a strong foundation.

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Authored by

Dr. Samiksha Jain

Assistant Professor 

Dept of Psychology (SOM&LS), 

NCU