Facebook Is Hurting Your Love Life
Social media can be a double-edged sword, especially in relationships. We explore how Facebook Is Hurting Your Relationship by creating distractions, fostering jealousy, and reducing meaningful communication.
Admit it, we all have that one friend who just splashed their relationship all over Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. Using social media to air all of their ‘dirty laundry’ or, even worse, we may be the ones spamming our friends with posts about our spouse.
Every Single Moment Does Not Need To Be Shared
I’m not old-fashioned, or anti-social media. In fact, I spend much of my free time at home just scrolling through my Insta and FB feeds for entertainment. But unlike some other people, I feel as though there are some things that shouldn’t be splashed on the internet for the whole world to see.
Answer me this, if you’re a serial Facebook spammer… how would you feel if your significant other called all of their friends and your friends to tell them that you ‘didn’t take the garbage out’ or that you were ‘useless at everything’? Unless you’re a narcissist, you have to agree that it would hurt, even just a little bit. ‘It’s just harmless venting. It’s not that bad’ – Yes it is and here’s why:
It blocks or breaks down communication in a relationship
It has the other person watching everything that they say just in case it ends up splashed all over social media. People aren’t stupid (…well, the majority anyway) we all know that passive aggressive post about all the beer in the fridge being drunk and not replaced or the house is a mess, is about your SO. Come on!
It makes everyone feel uncomfortable knowing things that happen behind closed doors
Especially if they have to spend time with your spouse or both of you. Call or message your bestie and have a vent, because the rest of us don’t need to see it.
It also puts unnecessary pressure on the relationship
The constant sickly ‘kissy kissy boo boo’ and ‘Bae is so good to me, we’re so in love’ posts are just as bad. **News flash** These inevitably turn in to the above type of posts when the honeymoon period is over and you take off those rose-coloured glasses. It’s all flash, no substance.
I love to see photos of happy couples celebrating relationship milestones and read the affirming messages that go along with those pics. But everyone over the age of 16 will probably agree with me when I say – Nobody cares that your boyfriend/girlfriend just sent you a heart emoji text message.
It feeds mental health issues and insecurities
When you go from every post being about how much you’re in love in those first few months, to settling in to a long-term relationship where you have to negotiate the day to day stuff, then you might start to feel insecure about your relationship. Especially if you suffer from a mental health issue like anxiety or depression and have built a reliance on that continual public affirmation.
That constant craving for the ‘honeymoon period’ public affirmation may mean that you develop the inability to move past that point in a relationship. Keeping you in that perpetual cycle of love and heartbreak.
If you’re an attention seeking narcissist then, by all means, keep going with your public showboating. But if you’re normal human being, keep your relationship private. It’s not about how many likes you get from friends and family or how ‘open’ you are about your relationship on social media. Actions speak louder than words. A relationship (as well as all of its issues) is based on open communication and trust.
So, use social media wisely. Think before you post.
So What Exactly Do I Get Out Of Limiting Social Media?
Limiting social media use in relationships can strengthen emotional connections and improve communication. By spending less time online, couples create more opportunities for meaningful, face-to-face interactions. This leads to deeper conversations and a better understanding of each other’s needs and feelings.
Reducing social media usage can also help eliminate unnecessary distractions. When couples focus on each other instead of scrolling through feeds, they are more present in the moment. This enhances intimacy and allows partners to feel more valued and heard.
Boundaries!
Setting boundaries around social media can also foster trust. For example, agreeing to not check each other’s social media accounts removes potential sources of jealousy. This encourages partners to communicate directly about concerns rather than making assumptions based on online activity.
Additionally, less time on social media helps couples avoid comparing their relationship to unrealistic portrayals. Instead of feeling pressured by idealized posts, couples can focus on their own unique connection.
Lastly, taking regular breaks from social media encourages healthier habits, like spending more time outdoors or engaging in shared activities. This allows couples to bond over common interests, creating stronger emotional and physical ties.
What Are 5 FAQ Regarding Social Media And Love?
How can social media harm romantic relationships?
Social media can create misunderstandings, jealousy, and insecurity in romantic relationships. Constant online interactions and comparison to others may lead to distrust or emotional distance between partners.
Why does Facebook create tension in relationships?
Facebook allows access to personal information, including interactions with others. This can lead to feelings of jealousy, especially if one partner engages with someone their partner perceives as a threat. Resulting in causing arguments and unnecessary tension.
How can social media lead to communication problems?
Relying on social media for communication can reduce face-to-face interactions, leading to weaker emotional connections. Misinterpretation of online messages can also create confusion and misunderstandings.
Does social media create unrealistic expectations in relationships?
Yes. Constant exposure to curated images of “perfect” relationships on social media can cause unrealistic expectations. Partners may feel inadequate if their relationship doesn’t measure up, leading to dissatisfaction and frustration.
How can you protect your relationship from the negative effects of social media?
Set clear boundaries for online behavior, communicate openly about any concerns, and prioritize offline time together. Ensuring that your relationship remains based on trust and honest communication is essential for overcoming the potential harms of social media.
Author: Mia is a consultant from Oh Zone Adult Lifestyle Centres
Jennifer is a marketer at Adultsmart! Embracing a non-judgmental stance, she believes in pleasure without limits—if it feels good and right, why not?