Essay Sample: Social Media Effects on Interpersonal Communication/Relationships

Social media is the largest communication platform in our society today. Advancements in technology have encouraged the use of social media all over the world (Turp, 2020). Okdie and Ewoldsen have stated that the need for communication has been satisfied through engagement in non-face-to-face communication (Okdie & Ewoldsen, 2018). Whether communication happens on microblogging sites, social network sites, text messages, or dating sites among others, interpersonal relationships are affected (Okdie & Ewoldsen, 2018). With its increased use for communication, social media opens a unique channel of interactivity and interconnectivity, which changes the way messages are spread, the interaction between individuals, and ultimately relationships between individuals (Subramanian, 2017).

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Since communication on social media is done majorly online on platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, the users will change their norms of communication and have a reflection on online communication (Subramanian, 2017). On such platforms, users can gather many followers and friends at the click of a mouse without a face-to-face meeting, which in turn disregards the emotional skills required when forming friendships.

Additionally, social media allows an individual to be whoever he/she wants to be without revealing her real identity, disregarding another requirement in the establishment of good interpersonal relationships (Subramanian, 2017). Therefore, social media in its entirety affects interpersonal communication and relationships. With the rapidly growing use of social media, the face-to-face interactions that exist and interpersonal relationships will diminish (Okdie & Ewoldsen, 2018). Although social media has revolutionized everything including businesses, it will negatively affect people’s ability to interact and have substantive interpersonal relationships (Subramanian, 2017). There is a need to interrogate two critical questions; why do many people prefer social media while there is an option of establishing better interpersonal relationships and secondly, how the increased use of social media will affect users in day-to-day interaction with people in reality? In addressing the question presented, the paper will delve into the specifics of the effects of social media on relationships and communication.

To start with, it is important to briefly look at what an interpersonal relationship entails. It has been defined to be an association that is close, deep, and strong between two or more individuals (Subramanian, 2017). The relationship is normally based on solidarity, inference, constant business interactions, social commitment, or love (Subramanian, 2017).

Social media attracts a large number of people because of its convenience. It is helpful to those who might be nervous when having a face-to-face interaction. It is also advantageous because one can reach out to individuals with the same interests across the globe (Subramanian, 2017). However, it should be noted that, instead of encouraging face-to-face interactions, social media creates a distance among individuals. Although individuals are getting social through social media, there has been a drastic change in the various forms of communication, especially face-to-face communication (Subramanian, 2017).

In understanding the effects of social media effects on interpersonal communication and relationships, three theories cannot go without mention. They include social penetration theory, Technology determinism theory, and Uses and gratification theory (Ledbetter, et al., 2011).

Technology and determinism theory is to the effect that technology is a major means through which human action and association are shaped and controlled (Ledbetter, et al., 2011). Social penetration theory, on the other hand, perceives the growth of interpersonal relationships to be a slow process. To that extent, individuals find it easy to disclose personal information on social media platforms as compared to face-to-face communication (Ledbetter, et al., 2011).

The uses and gratifications theory provides for four requirements, which include: entertainment, information, personal identity, and social interaction and personal relationship (Karuchit, 2013). These four requirements are satisfied via social media because people can socialize, there is the creation of social networks and people can connect regardless of distance (Karuchit, 2013).

The worst effect of social media on interpersonal relationships and communication is alienation. It is the isolation of an individual among people. Since individuals spend much of their time on virtual life, less energy and time are spent in their immediate relations (Subramanian, 2017). Ultimately, social ties are weakened, the ability to interact diminishes, and as such an individual is isolated. Scholars have argued that online interactions negatively affect communication (Subramanian, 2017). The rationale behind this is that when people interact online, non-verbal communication is isolated. Aspects of non-verbal communication such as gestures, facial expressions, and tone of voice are not employed, yet they are essential in quality communication (Subramanian, 2017).

Finally, social media does not only impact interpersonal relationships and communication but also a user’s character is affected (Subramanian, 2017). It makes one anxious and impatient. The younger generation is mostly affected because they want to stay informed and as such, they are restless and ready to do whatever it takes not to miss anything that is happening (Subramanian, 2017).

Conclusion

In conclusion, as the use of social media continues to rise, and a lot of time is consumed on major platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter, many issues are disregarded such as the emotional skills required when establishing interpersonal relationships. As a result, face-to-face interactions and interconnection between individuals will diminish.

References

Karuchit, W. (2013). Media effects theories. Communication Theories and Innovation Communication. Bangkok: National Institute of Development Administration. https://schoar.google.com/schoar?hl=en&as_sdt=)%2C5&q=Warat+Karuchit%2C+Media+effects+theories

Ledbetter, A. M., Mazer, J. P., DeGroot, J. M., Meyer, K. R., Mao, Y., & Swafford, B. (2011). Attitudes toward online social connection and self-disclosure as predictors of Facebook communication and relational closeness. Communication Research, 38(1), 27-53. https://doi.org/10.1177/0093650210365537

Okdie, B. M., & Ewoldsen, D. R. (2018). To boldly go where no relationship has gone before: Commentary on interpersonal relationships in the digital age. The Journal of social psychology, 158(4), 508-513. https://doi.org/10.1080/00224545.2018.1473835

Subramanian, K. R. (2017). Influence of social media in interpersonal communication. International Journal of Scientific Progress and Research, 38(2), 70-75. ISSN: 2349-4689

Turp, M. J. (2020). Social media, interpersonal relations, and the objectives of attitude. Ethics and Information Technology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10676-020-09538-y