Social Media: Problem or Solution?
In a study conducted in 2013, 44% of adolescents reported that with increased use of
technology came tension. Pew Research Center also surveyed various other age groups such as
adults. What was found was that adults in relationships that were at least married for 10 years,
reported significantly lower percentages of tension or other negative issues regarding technology
and how it impacted their relationship (Lenhart and Duggan). Why does technology impact
newer relationships among adolescents more negatively than it does to older, adult relationships?
Do adults just have better luck? The answer is simple. Social media exposure. Adolescents often
have multiple social media accounts, while adults have little-to-no social media accounts. Social
media is accessible almost anywhere and everywhere by the use of smartphones. Smartphones
not only provide access to the internet, but provide individuals with constant communication
with peers. It is great that they can keep up with all the latest trends, talk to their friends 24/7,
and even make new ones across the globe. However, often people forget the burdens that social
media and instant/text messaging carry. Being exposed to social media at a young age, causes
more damage within relationships than good.
In a journal conducted by Child & Youth Care Forum, it is explicitly stated that one
cannot exactly perceive tone through text as it is intended to be read (Cyr, Betty-Ann, et al.).
What does this mean? Well, it is inferred that when in a relationship, a person and their partner
have each other on social media and/or their contact information to be able to send them either
an instant or text message, correct? If one sends something such as a sarcastic comment to their
partner and their partner cannot tell it is sarcasm this may easily cause tension between the two.
No one wants to argue excessively, especially when trying to perform daily tasks. So, if one
wanted to stop communicating with their partner, it would be extremely difficult. For example,
their partner would be able to communicate with them through text messages, and any social
media that has the option to direct message/private chat another user. Even after blocking the
user, the person who is being blocked is still able to make another account. Knowing that their
communication is not wanted, they could make a false identity to trick their victim into talking to
them or giving access to their account activity. This can turn into harassment or even
cyberbullying.
Arnold Brown, author of the magazine article “Relationships, Community, and Identity in
the New Virtual Society” proposes a very important question to those who may believe that
