The impact of social media on relationships.
docx
keyboard_arrow_up
School
University of Eldoret *
*We aren’t endorsed by this school
Course
1
Subject
Communications
Date
Nov 24, 2024
Type
docx
Pages
13
Uploaded by BailiffElement7785
Surname 1
Student Name
Professor Name
Course
Date
The Impact of Social Media on Relationships: A Negative Influence.
In the ever-evolving digital age, social media has risen as a strong force, reshaping how we communicate, establish connections, and build relationships. As social media users, we initially celebrated it as a revolutionary tool for nurturing unity. However, we are exposed to the veiled repercussions of social media, leaving a fixed and, at times, hostile impact on human relationships. In this proposal, I will discuss the complex layers of the crisis ignited by the harmful influence of social media on relationships, advocating for an all-inclusive solution rooted in upstream efforts—a concept pleasant with the principles espoused by Dan Heath in Upstream
(Heath, np). The general influence of social media has harmfully changed the nature of
human relationships, marking a shift from its initial promise of connection to many challenges, which makes it necessary to have a comprehensive and proactive approach to decrease its negative impact.
The digital era's promise, social media, has altered our communication landscape, promising to bridge gaps and cultivate connections across vast distances. We, however, experience many challenges, particularly concerning our relationships. Most of us go on social media hoping to connect with friends and strangers, but this promise has given way to other darker effects. Social media’s impact on relationships remains a nuanced phenomenon, since as
Surname 2
Fast and Jago opine, “business organizations can become wealthy by creating and maintaining pipelines of personal data that they can then process and sell to advertisers or other interested stakeholders” (Fast and Jago 44). By selling users’ personal data, social media as a means of connection turns into a source of privacy breaches. I argue that addressing the crisis demands an examination of the issue's historical origins. I begin by tracing social media's development and its entwining with societal shifts to unravel the factors contributing to present-day relationship challenges. From the development of platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, as well as Instagram to the creation of the 'like' culture, accepting the historical context offers valuable insights into the origin of the problem.
Indeed, we have existing solutions which somehow present a mixture of successes and limitations. For example, old-fashioned counselling and digital detox plans, which Vinh Nguyen describes as “
a method of combating technology addiction
” (Nguyen 9293). Certainly, combating technology addiction can mitigate the problems associated with social media. In this proposal, I seek to critically evaluate these interventions, analyzing their historical development, benefits, and limitations and addressing opposing views. In so doing, I hope to pave the way for a more informed and nuanced approach to qualifying the negative impact of social media on relationships. Against this backdrop, the proposal introduces a comprehensive, innovative solution grounded in upstream efforts. For instance, I will collectively use educational initiatives,
policy changes, and developing digital well-being tools as approaches to digital management. I see the educational component as a means to empower individuals with the skills to navigate the digital landscape responsibly, integrating digital literacy programs into educational curricula. Following Napoli, I view that policy changes, advocating for stricter privacy regulations and precise algorithms, aim to shape a more secure online environment (Napoli 751).
Surname 3
Simultaneously, digital well-being tools provide individuals with agency, offering features encouraging mindful usage and monitoring screen time.
Chapter 1 - The Problem and Its History and Implications
To comprehend the deeper negative impact of social media on relationships, let us explore its historical roots. Over the last two decades, social media basically “
has revolutionized how people interact, and its effects on education and overall social development are significant” and correlated with a significant uptick in relationship issues (Salikhova et al., e202345). This means that despite the benefits, we cannot overlook the detrimental effects. This section embarks
on a journey through historical context, unraveling key milestones and societal shifts contributing to the prevailing crisis. The start of platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram signaled a paradigm shift in interpersonal dynamics. Features available to use, rs such as the 'like' button, as well as the culture of quantifying social approval, lead to a trend of continuous comparison, where people are likely to determine their self-worth based on the validation received in the online realm.
Furthermore, the digital age has eroded our privacy with far-reaching relationship implications. Thus, Social media blurs the once-distinct boundaries we have been having in our public and private lives, causing unintended intrusions and misunderstandings. What we once confined to intimate personal conversations now stands susceptible to scrutiny by a global audience, introducing complexity to the delicate dynamics of trust and intimacy. Suppose we can
understand the historical course of social media's impact on relationships. In that case, we can discern what has transformed it from a communication facilitator to a potential disruptor of personal connections. According to Dana Reid and Paul Weigle, social media carries “
several potential risks that can be detrimental to the mental health and well-being of adolescents” (Reid
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help
Surname 4
and Weigle. 73). Thus, the evolution of these platforms unveils a narrative of shifting societal norms and values, where the tools designed to bring people together inadvertently sow the seeds of discord in the fabric of relationships.
By exploring the details of historical milestones reveals that social media's influence extends beyond its immediate functionalities. Social media infiltrates our psyche, altering our perceptions of self-worth and distorting the essence of genuine connection. Once a simple feature
for expressing approval, the' like' button has become a metric for societal proof, fostering a culture where the quantity of digital affirmations dictates one's perceived value in the social sphere (
Swani and Labrecque 280). As social media users, such functions help in our perception and presentations. Moreover, the erosion of privacy amplifies the challenges individuals face navigating the delicate terrain of relationships. What was once considered sacred and private now treads a risky line, subject to public scrutiny and external interpretations. The unintentional consequences of this blurred boundary extend to misinterpretations, leading to conflicts and fractures in trust that may not have occurred in a less interconnected digital landscape. This historical exploration is also a foundation for recognizing the intricate interplay between social media and relationships. By tracing the evolution of these platforms, we gain insights into the complex dynamics that have contributed to the current crisis. The historical context sheds light on the transformative journey of social media, from a heralded communication breakthrough to a
potential weakening of the very relationships it was designed to enhance. Chapter 2 - The Current Solutions and Their History, Benefits, Limitations, and Rebuttal of the Oppositional View
Acknowledging the adverse effects of social media on relationships has spurred the formulation and application of various solutions. I think these interventions, including
Surname 5
relationship counseling, digital detox programs, and awareness campaigns, aim to alleviate the negative repercussions. In this chapter, I will examine these existing solutions, tracing their historical development, elucidating their benefits, acknowledging inherent limitations, and engaging in a nuanced discussion to address opposing views. Whether delivered through traditional face-to-face sessions or digital platforms, relationship counseling has stood as a stalwart approach to tackling communication breakdowns and conflicts worsened by the pervasive influence of social media. The historical evolution of relationship counseling reveals a continuous effort to adapt methodologies since “
Creating therapeutic relationships through validating interactions and connections
” (Bright and Reeves 2670). Traditional counseling models, primarily intended for in-person dynamics, have been modified to incorporate the intricacies of digital relationships. However, the question arises: does
traditional counseling truly comprehend the unique dynamics of online interactions, or does it risk overlooking the distinct challenges posed by the virtual realm?
Digital detox programs, advocating for users to temporarily disengage from social media platforms, emerge as a response to contemporary life's overwhelming digital connectivity. A historical study allows us to view the evolution of these programs from a grassroots movement to
a mainstream recommendation for achieving balance and mindfulness in individuals' lives. However, the limitations of such programs become apparent in our interconnected world (Schmuck 526). Can a temporary separation truly address the deeply embedded patterns of online behavior, or does it risk being a short-lived solution in the face of persistent digital temptations? Awareness campaigns spotlighting the potential pitfalls of excessive social media use manifest as educational interventions to instill responsible online behavior. Historical analysis showcases the evolution of these campaigns, from early attempts to raise awareness
Surname 6
about privacy concerns to broader initiatives addressing the overall impact on mental health and relationships. Yet, even with increased awareness, we still face uncertainty: can these campaigns effectively combat deeply fixed habits fostered by years of exposure to the social media landscape? Do they possess the transformative power to reshape individual online behaviors?
Looking at all these benefits, it becomes evident that each solution carries its advantages. Relationship counseling offers a personalized and empathetic approach, digital detox programs provide a respite from constant connectivity, and awareness campaigns contribute to a broader societal understanding of responsible online conduct. However, as we uncover these benefits, we
must also confront the inherent limitations embedded within each solution. The connection between benefits and limitations requires a nuanced consideration of opposing views against external interventions. Critics emphasize individual responsibility and self-regulation as the crux of addressing the challenges posed by social media. Susie Khamis noted that social media self-
branding bears “
a distortion of key branding principles that has obvious implications for its practitioners and advocates” (Khamis et al. 191). Thus, we need to find ways to regulate our activities. The historical evolution of these opposing views reveals a tension between the desire for autonomy and the recognition of external influences. Can individual responsibility truly withstand the pervasive impact of social media, or does it risk placing an undue burden on individuals to navigate a complex digital landscape self-sufficiently?
In determining the historical trajectory of these solutions, one notes that a one-size-fits-all
approach is inadequate. Each intervention has its place in tackling specific facets of the multifaceted challenges raised by social media. However, the ongoing dialogue necessitates exploring innovative strategies that harness the strengths of existing solutions while mitigating
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help
Surname 7
their limitations. This exploration forms the groundwork for the subsequent proposal of a comprehensive and proactive approach in Chapter 3.
Chapter 3 - Argument: Your Proposed Solution, Justification
As we delve deeper into the complexities of the negative impact of social media on relationships, a transformative proposal emerges, meticulously crafted upon a nuanced analysis of historical context, current solutions, and their inherent limitations. This section seeks to introduce a comprehensive and innovative approach, a tapestry woven with threads of education,
policy reform, and the development of digital well-being tools, all meticulously aligned to counteract the harmful influence of social media on the intricate tapestry of human relationships.
Educational initiatives will be the backbone of this proposed solution, allowing individuals to gain skills for “interpreting media” they consume (Akram and Kumar 351). This way, we can all be aware of the influence of the content on social media. This is not merely a call
for awareness; it beckons a paradigm shift, urging the integration of robust digital literacy programs into educational curricula. The objective is to equip individuals not only with an understanding of the psychological impact of social media but also with the tools for critical thinking. Such a comprehensive educational approach aims to foster a deep comprehension of the nuanced dynamics at play, allowing individuals to discern between the online curated personas and the authentic realities of their offline relationships. Digital literacy programs, seamlessly interwoven into school curricula, would provide a holistic understanding of the multifaceted effects of social media on mental health, self-esteem, and interpersonal relationships. By instilling critical thinking skills, individuals are empowered to navigate the digital sphere with discernment, recognizing the difference between the carefully curated online projections and the genuine, nuanced complexities of real-life connections. This educational
Surname 8
foundation serves as the cornerstone, cultivating a generation capable of wielding the power of social media responsibly, enriching rather than hindering their relationships.
In line with educational initiatives, policy changes emerge as an imperative force in reshaping the digital landscape and alleviating the adverse effects of social media on relationships. At the lead of this proposal is the advocacy for more stringent privacy regulations, a fundamental safeguard ensuring that individuals can engage in online interactions without fear of compromising their boundaries (Kay et al. 248). Explicit algorithms and responsible content moderation further create an online environment where users feel secure, protected, and able to engage in meaningful interactions without the pervasive threat of privacy invasion.
Moreover, our proposed policies extend beyond individual privacy concerns to encompass a broader scope of healthy online communication within relationships. Guidelines for
respectful discourse and explicit consent in sharing personal information aim to establish a foundation for positive digital interactions. By outlining limits for online conduct within relationships, these policies aim to counteract the toxicity that often arises from miscommunication, invasion of privacy, and the pressure to conform to unrealistic online expectations. Digital well-being tools are the third dimension of our proposed solution, embodying practical mechanisms for individuals to “
choosing behaviors that avoid its dangers and maximize its benefits
” (Clark 32). Such behaviors and tools offer a tangible means of restoring balance. From app features encouraging mindful usage to third-party applications designed to monitor and manage screen time, these tools provide users with the means to engage with their online presence actively. Through the inclusion of such tools w, we recognize that the digital realm has become an integral part of our lives, and rather than attempting to sever ties, the proposal advocates for
Surname 9
equipping individuals with the tools to navigate this space judiciously. These tools empower users to strike a harmonious balance between their digital and physical dimensions by fostering a
sense of agency and self-regulation. This sense of empowerment transcends mere moderation; it invites individuals to be active participants in crafting their digital experiences, enabling them to derive benefits from the virtual realm without sacrificing the richness of their offline connections.
A synthesis of research findings, expert opinions, and real-life examples justifies this proposal. The aim is to address the surface-level symptoms and delve deep into the roots of the issue’s strategic and proactive approach to transform the landscape of social media's impact on relationships. The incorporation, policy reform, and digital well-being tools form a holistic strategy grounded in a collective understanding of the nuanced challenges posed by social media in the context of relationships. The proposed solution aims to usher in a future where digital interactions are not a source of discord but a catalyst for enriching the fabric of human connections. By nurturing a generation equipped with the knowledge, policies, and tools to navigate the digital realm responsibly, this proposal envisions a world where relationships flourish both online and offline, resilient in the face of the ever-evolving landscape of social media.
Conclusion
This proposal argument has shed light on the detrimental impact of social media on relationships, providing insights into its historical evolution, critically assessing current solutions, and presenting a holistic proposal to alleviate the resulting harm. Embracing an upstream methodology allows us to pivot from reactive interventions to proactive preventative strategies, laying the groundwork for cultivating healthier relationships in the digital age. It
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help
Surname 10
underscores the significance of addressing the root causes rather than merely responding to the symptoms, emphasizing a forward-thinking and comprehensive approach. As we navigate the intricate dynamics of online and offline interactions, this proposal advocates for a paradigm shift that prioritizes prevention, resilience, and creating an environment conducive to positive relationship dynamics. In doing so, it contributes to the ongoing dialogue surrounding the challenges posed by social media, offering a blueprint for fostering awareness and actionable measures that can lead to a more harmonious coexistence in the ever-evolving landscape of digital interconnectedness.
Surname 11
Works Cited
Akram, Waseem, and Rekesh Kumar. "A study on positive and negative effects of social media on society."
International journal of computer sciences and engineering
5.10 (2017): 351-354. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Waseem-Akram-19/publication/323903323_A_Stud
y_on_Positive_and_Negative_Effects_of_Social_Media_on_Society/links/
5ab1c064a6fdcc1bc0bfefef/A-Study-on-Positive-and-Negative-Effects-of-Social-Media-
on-Society.pdf?forcedefault=true
Bright, F. A. S., and B. Reeves. "Creating therapeutic relationships through communication: A qualitative meta-synthesis from the perspectives of people with communication impairment after stroke."
Disability and Rehabilitation
44.12 (2022): 2670-2682. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09638288.2020.1849419 Clark, Jenna L., Sara B. Algoe, and Melanie C. Green. "Social network sites and well-being: The
role of social connection."
Current Directions in Psychological Science
27.1 (2018): 32-
37. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0963721417730833
Fast, Nathanael J., and Arthur S. Jago. "Privacy matters… or does It? Algorithms, rationalization, and the erosion of privacy concern."
Current opinion in psychology
31 (2020): 44-48. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352250X19300892
Heath, Dan.
Upstream: The quest to solve problems before they happen
. Simon and Schuster, 2020.
Surname 12
Kay, Samantha, Rory Mulcahy, and Joy Parkinson. "When less is more: the impact of macro and
micro social media influencers’ disclosure."
Journal of Marketing Management
36.3-4 (2020): 248-278. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/0267257X.2020.1718740
Khamis, Susie, Lawrence Ang, and Raymond Welling. "Self-branding, ‘micro-celebrity and the rise of social media influencers."
Celebrity Studies
8.2 (2017): 191-208. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/19392397.2016.1218292
Napoli, Philip M. "Social media and the public interest: Governance of news platforms in the realm of individual and algorithmic gatekeepers."
Telecommunications Policy
39.9 (2015): 751-760. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S030859611400192X
Nguyen, Vinh T. "The perceptions of social media users of digital detox apps considering personality traits."
Education and Information Technologies
27.7 (2022): 9293-9316. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10639-022-11022-7
Reid, Dana, and Paul Weigle. "Social media use among adolescents: Benefits and risks."
Adolescent Psychiatry
4.2 (2014): 73-80. https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/ben/aps/2014/00000004/00000002/art00003
Salikhova, Nailya R., et al. "Communication tools and social media usage: Assessing self-
perceived communication competence."
Online Journal of Communication and Media Technologies
13.4 (2023): e202343. https://www.ojcmt.net/article/communication-tools-
and-social-media-usage-assessing-self-perceived-communication-competence-13453
Schmuck, Desirée. "Does digital detox work? Exploring the role of digital detox applications for problematic smartphone use and well-being of young adults using multigroup analysis."
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help
Surname 13
Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking 23.8 (2020): 526-532. https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/cyber.2019.0578
Swani, K., & Labrecque, L. I. (2020). Like, Comment, or Share? Self-presentation vs. brand relationships as drivers of social media engagement choices. Marketing Letters, 31(2-3), 279-298. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11002-020-09518-8