THE INFLUENCE OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS

ABSTRACT

Тhe article examines the positive and negative impact of social networks on interpersonal relationships. Today, social networks occupy a significant place in the life of every person, and their impact on the sphere of relationships between members of society is difficult to overestimate.

Keywords: social networks, interpersonal relationships, social platform, online communication, emoji.

In a dynamically developing world, the relevance of social platforms is undeniable and permeates every aspect of our existence. One of the main advantages of such platforms lies in their ability to bring people from different parts of the globe closer together, providing means for communication, information sharing, and maintaining connections with friends and relatives. Based on a VCIOM (Russian Public Opinion Research Center) study dated July 2023, it can be asserted that 86% of the Russian population is active on social networks every day. This trend entails a decrease in the need for physical interaction, as many prefer virtual communication to real-life meetings [3].

However, along with the positive aspects, social networks have a downside. Often, for various reasons, the impact on interpersonal relationships can be destructive:

1. Diminished importance of direct communication. Replacing real-life interactions with online communication can undermine the foundation of quality personal communication.
2. Artificiality of online image. Social media profiles often reflect idealized versions of reality, which can lead to unrealistic expectations and distortions in perception, resulting in disappointments and conflicts in relationships.
3. Problems of addiction and time allocation. The endless stream of updates on social networks can increase dependence and decrease valuable time that could be devoted to real-life communication and deep interpersonal relationships.
4. Increased conflict and negative rhetoric. The space of virtual communication can sometimes contribute to the spread of conflicts and insults. The lack of personal contact and conditional anonymity online can provoke aggressive behavior, which also adversely affects interpersonal relationships.

In the modern world, the discussion of the role of social networks is steadily coming to the fore. They have become a platform for comparing oneself to others, where it's easy to get caught up in comparisons with the images presented on other users' pages. This often leads to feelings of inadequacy and envy, which can generate destructive emotions towards others and destroy relationships, provoking conflicts [2].

However, excessive use of social media can have negative consequences for interpersonal relationships and mental health. Constant comparison of one's life with the lives of other users, demonstrated in an idealized light, can lead to decreased self-esteem, envy, and feelings of dissatisfaction with one's own life. Virtual communication often does not replace real human contact, which can lead to loneliness and social isolation, despite visible activity on social networks. Moreover, cyberbullying, hate speech, and the spread of negative information in social media can cause stress, anxiety, and depression.

Often, we miss out on invaluable moments of reality, focusing on their digital documentation for social networks, which prevents us from truly enjoying the event and the company of people around us.

At the same time, social networks serve as a tool for overcoming geographical and social barriers, providing limitless opportunities for communication on a global scale and familiarizing oneself with a vast palette of worldviews and cultures. This contributes to the development of mutual understanding between cultures and enrichment of life perspectives. According to a study by Pew Research Center, a large number of adult users – 72% – use social media to stay connected with loved ones.

Formats of communication on digital platforms differ significantly from traditional ones. Based on sending texts, visual materials, and using many emotional symbols, such as emojis and stickers, there is a change in the tone and emotional depth of communication. Some studies indicate that this form of interaction potentially reduces sensory richness and accuracy of information perception, affecting the quality of interpersonal relationships and the ability to empathize.

Nevertheless, it is worth emphasizing that the exchange of text messages and comments also has its advantages, including the ability to carefully choose words, convenience of communication at a distance, and a more flexible interaction schedule. These aspects can be useful in specific contexts, but the key remains to find a balance between digital and personal communication to ensure full and rich communication.

While social networks offer many advantages, their excessive use can lead to obstacles in interpersonal relationships. Unlimited time spent in online spaces has the potential to worsen the depth and quality of our existing relationships, and can also negatively affect mental health. Moreover, platforms for virtual interaction evoke feelings such as envy, lowered self-esteem, and unfavorable comparisons with the lives of others, which affects both interaction between people and self-perception. An analysis by the American Center for Public Opinion Research revealed that more than half of social media users experienced negative emotions, such as envy and dissatisfaction with their own lives, after visiting social networks [1].

No less important is the issue of protecting personal information in the digital environment. Active disclosure of personal data and interaction with other users through social networks can create risks for confidentiality and trustworthiness. The desire to create an impeccable image online can provoke leakage of intimate details of life and weaken real human connections.

For the development of healthy relationships between people, it is crucial to take a responsible approach to the use of social networks. Limiting time spent online and focusing on live social contacts are practices that can help improve personal connections. One should pay attention to the content we view online, be aware of our emotional reactions to it, and, if negative feelings arise, assess our level of involvement in social networks and filter information that may harm personal self-esteem.

In general, social networks are a tool for exchanging information and establishing contacts, but one should also be aware of the potential dangers they pose to interpersonal relationships. It is important to use such platforms mindfully and manage them wisely to build healthy relationships that promote the growth of connections with the people around us.

Summarizing the question of the impact of social networks on human relationships, it is worth emphasizing that they have a dual effect. Social platforms simplify communication, facilitate the transmission of information, expand the social circle, and deepen the understanding of cultural differences. However, the lack of boundaries in the use of these network spaces can lead to the degradation of genuine relationships, difficulties in terms of mental health, feelings of envy, reduced self-confidence, and negative comparisons with others. To build healthy interaction with others in the context of universal digitalization, a conscious and responsible approach to the use of social media is necessary. This implies finding a balance between virtual and direct communication, as well as careful attention to disclosed personal data [4].

It is important to note that social media themselves are not the problem, but their excessive and uncontrolled use is [2]. In order to minimize the negative impact of social media on mental health and interpersonal relationships, it is necessary to develop skills in conscious use of social networks, devote enough time to real-life communication, critically evaluate information, and take care of one's mental health. Educational programs on media literacy and psychological support can play an important role in this process.

References:

1. Glukhov, A. P. (2019). Domestication of social media and resocialization of interpersonal relations. Tomsk State University Journal of Philosophy, Sociology and Political Science, 47, 149-156. (In Russian)
2. Evdokimov, V. A. (2021). Mass media in the socio-cultural space. Omsk State Agrarian University. (In Russian)
3. Madianou, M., & Miller, D. (2018). Polymedia: A new approach to understanding digital means of communication in interpersonal communication. Monitoring of Public Opinion: Economic and Social Changes, 18(1), 334-356. (In Russian)
4. Stakhovskaya, Yu. M. (2018). Self-presentation of the digital generation in social networks. In Culture of network communications and digital literacy (pp. 28-44). Tomsk State University Publishing House. (In Russian)