Social media has become an integral part of globalized world, offering connectivity and addiction. While it is argue that digital media weakens human interconnections and verbal exchange. I partially agree with this view, as its influence varies depending on individual awareness and wise choice of platform.
On the one hand, social media encourages excessive usage of mobile phone by providing different types of applications, such as Instagram and Facebook, which can lead couples to engage more in their devices rather than real life conversation. This is particularly evident that when social media promotes unrealistic lifestyle, people start enjoying the materialistic things over loved-ones. Moreover, social pressure to represent their life status can reduce their real attractions, especially the young audiences who are more susceptible to social comparison. Seeing highlights of other people’s lives can cause individuals to compare their own relationships, leading to dissatisfaction and insecurity. For instance, influencers that highlight their living only for content, and to earn money, often forget the actual enjoyment with their family members, causing detrimental effect on their personal relationships.
On the other hand, it would be inaccurate to claim that social media always degrades the personal connections, as it can also connect the people, despite of their geographical area. Virtual network maintains long-distance connections by allowing messaging and video call, which can help people to connect with anyone at any time. For example, students studying abroad can get in touch with their parents across the globe, making it easy to share their updates, photos, and success.
Therefore, they feel less lonely and less isolated. In addition, digital media foster the relationships, as younger generations display their bond online, which gives validation to their commitment and a way to express their affection.
In conclusion. although social media disconnects the people, particularly through excessive screen time and unrealistic lifestyle obsession, it can also serve as global connectivity by providing valuable access to connect with the others across the globe. Therefore, I partially agree that social media affects human relationships, as it largely depends on their priority and usage strategy.