Recently I went to a restaurant with my friends for lunch. Next to our table sat another family that had come for lunch. I was happy to see that the grandparents, grandchildren and everyone was there. Initially, they all were talking to each other and ordering food, but then I got occupied with talking to my friends and ordering food.
After a while when I looked at the table next to me, the grandchildren were busy with their phones and so were the parents and the grandparents were sitting quietly. In my opinion, due to social media, we can communicate with people who live miles away from us; moreover, communication through social media is quick and easy but to some extent, it has some bad effects. For instance, many times we don’t pay attention to people who are sitting next to us but are busy chatting with our friends.
Social media can have both positive and negative impacts on relationships. A few months ago, I saw many birthday cards kept on my mother’s study table. My mother told me that in the olden days, when there was no social media, everyone used to send cards and wish each other, but currently, we just send messages on WhatsApp to wish each other. Even on special occasions people send messages to wish one another and there is no personal touch in this; rarely do people call to wish or meet each other.
Social media can decrease the quality of time you spend with your loved ones. Because social media is designed to be intriguing and easy to scroll, it can be hard to put down your phone and focus on your friends and family. As a result, it can take up a lot of time and attention. On the other hand, as a result of social media, we can meet and connect with new people whom we might not have otherwise met by using Facebook or other social apps. It’s also a convenient way to stay updated with your friends’ and family members’ lives.
Moving on to some negative effects of social media—it can drive people apart, causing arguments and creating distance in relationships. Social media can also have negative effects on relationships and communication. A recent study found that over 60% of couples argue about social media usage in their relationship. This is because social media can cause distractions and interruptions, leading to arguments and disputes.
Furthermore, social media has a profound impact on face-to-face communication. With the rise of instant messaging, text messaging and other forms of digital communication, many people communicate more through screens than they do in person. This has led to a decline in face-to-face communication. The impact of social media on relationships and communication extends beyond the practical effects.
Social media can also have psychological effects, such as creating feelings of insecurity and anxiety. For example, social media can lead to feelings of jealousy and insecurity, as people compare their relationships to others on social media.
In conclusion, social media has had a profound impact on relationships and communication. Social media has the power to bring people closer together, but it can also drive them apart. It is up to us to use this technology in a way that benefits our relationships and communication, rather than hinders them. By understanding the impact of social media and taking steps to mitigate its negative effects, we can create stronger and more fulfilling relationships with those we love.
REFLECTION: Boon or Bane?
In 1 sentence, explain the role social media plays in your life.
