Check out this answer from Consensus:
The evidence suggests that social media can have several negative impacts on romantic relationships, including reduced satisfaction, increased psychological distress, opportunities for infidelity, negative perceptions, and trade-offs with offline interactions. While social media offers numerous benefits, it is essential to be mindful of its potential to harm personal relationships and take steps to mitigate these effects.
In the digital age, social media has become an integral part of daily life, offering platforms for communication, networking, and information sharing. However, its pervasive presence raises concerns about its impact on personal relationships, particularly romantic ones. This article explores the negative effects of social media on relationships, drawing on recent research findings.
Reduced Relationship Satisfaction
Excessive use of social media platforms like Instagram can lead to reduced relationship satisfaction. A study using structural equation modeling found that increased Instagram usage was associated with decreased relationship satisfaction, which subsequently led to more conflicts and negative outcomes in relationships1. This suggests that the time and attention diverted to social media can detract from the quality of romantic relationships.
Psychological Distress and Addiction
Social media addiction is another significant factor that negatively impacts relationships. Research indicates that problematic social media use is linked to psychological distress, which in turn affects relationship satisfaction. A study involving Turkish undergraduates found that depression, anxiety, and stress mediated the relationship between social media addiction and romantic relationship satisfaction7. This highlights the cyclical nature of social media use, psychological distress, and relationship dissatisfaction.
Infidelity and Trust Issues
Social media platforms provide opportunities for behaviors that can harm romantic relationships, such as communicating with alternative partners. A study examining infidelity-related behaviors on social media found that even a small percentage of such behaviors significantly correlated with lower relationship satisfaction, higher ambivalence, and greater attachment anxiety and avoidance6. This underscores the potential for social media to facilitate infidelity and erode trust in relationships.
Negative Perceptions and Social Attractiveness
The content shared on social media can also influence relationship dynamics. A longitudinal study found that high intimacy or negative posts decreased the social attractiveness of the self-discloser, affecting relationship development3. This suggests that the nature of social media interactions can mirror offline communication patterns, where negative or overly intimate disclosures can harm relationship perceptions.
Trade-offs Between Online and Offline Interactions
The trade-off between online and offline interactions is another area of concern. A longitudinal study on Facebook use found that increased online activity was negatively associated with well-being, including self-reported mental health and life satisfaction2. This indicates that the time spent on social media might come at the expense of more meaningful face-to-face interactions, which are crucial for maintaining healthy relationships.
Jealousy and Surveillance
Social media can also exacerbate feelings of jealousy and the tendency to engage in online surveillance. A systematic literature review identified jealousy and online surveillance as significant themes affecting intimate relationships8. The ease of accessing information about a partner’s interactions can lead to increased suspicion and conflict, further straining the relationship.
Is social media negatively impacting relationships?
John Hunter has answered Unlikely
An expert from Queensland Museum Network in Psychology
Social media use undoubtedly has positive and negative influences on the quality of social relationships, however, I believe that the net impact is likely positive. Personal anecdotes and media coverage tend to cast a dark shadow over the deleterious effects of social media use, but the psychological research does not support these intuitions. Rather, the science is inconclusive and shows a mixed bag of benefits and harms associated with social media use.
It is true that face-to-face conversations often suffer due to distraction caused by scrolling through social media feeds rather than engaging with those in your place based environment. In this way, excessive social media use can negatively impact close relationships. Additionally, some lonely or socially ostracized individuals unfortunately see their social problems exacerbated online.
While these downsides (and many others) are indeed prevalent, the opportunities for strengthening and expanding social connections on social media platforms are plentiful. Using social media tends to strengthen the quality of current friendships and affiliations, especially for those outside of your immediate circle of close others. The ability to connect, share and interact online helps maintain relationships and expand the breadth of ones social network.
In sum, social media use does negatively impact some close relationships, but its potential for facilitating positive social interactions and the strengthening of bonds outweigh the negative side effects.
Is social media negatively impacting relationships?
Joseph Paul Forgas has answered Near Certain
An expert from UNSW Sydney in Psychology
Humans evolved to need meaningful personal contact and relationships, and social media cannot fully provide this. There is growing evidence that social media use is positive related to depression, anxiety and feelings of loneliness especially in young people.
Is social media negatively impacting relationships?
David Cregg has answered Uncertain
An expert from Ohio State University in Psychology
I know that there have been correlational studies showing that higher rates of social media use are correlated with more severe anxiety / depression; however, as is always the case with correlational research, that does not necessarily mean one causes the other (i.e., people who are more prone to feeling depressed / anxious may use more social media as a means of coping).
Is social media negatively impacting relationships?
Babak Abedin has answered Unlikely
An expert from University of Technology, Sydney in Information Systems
I would not characterise social media per se as a negative force on people’s relationship, it can rather work like a catalyser. If a relationship is unstable or fragile, then social media can amplify the situation and make it more fragile. It may distract partners from spending quality time together, expose them to meeting new people, or bring their history to the surface. On the other hand, if a relationship is stable and mature, then social media can help it to grow healthier. It can help partner learn new things, stay connected with others, grow their professional networks and look for new opportunities
Is social media negatively impacting relationships?
Helen Keeley has answered Uncertain
An expert from Irish Health Service Executive in Psychiatry
While there is some evidence that some people might be neglecting face to face relationships in favour of on line activity, which could affect issues like bonding e.g. babies on tablets, there is no definitive evidence that this is negatively affecting relationships overall. There is evidence that social media allows for additional engagement e.g. with family and friends who have moved away. It allows for building and maintaining relationships with people with similar experiences, often in a supportive way which would be very difficult if not impossible otherwise, e.g. families with rare illnesses.