It is no news that social media is changing all facets of communication, including how we communicate with our loved ones. However, research has shown time and again that couples who actively use social media sites, such as Facebook and Twitter, are more likely to argue with their romantic partners, or even their friends. Twitter presents a serious threat to those who actively and regularly use Twitter, particularly in regards to personal relationships with others.
While social media has many advantages, such as the ability to spread news fast, reaching out to far-flung family members abroad, and a host of other benefits, its effects can often be detrimental. According to researchers, Twitter “wars” or “storms” can lead to significant problems in relationships (Bui, 1). In fact, according to Cyberpsychology, disagreements or misunderstandings as a result of Twitter can lead to break-ups, cheating, or even divorce (Lickerman, 1). Researchers have noted that those who use Twitter more often are likely to face ‘negative conflicts and outcomes’ (Bui, 1).
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Other research has confirmed similar data in that Twitter presents several damaging effects towards personal relationships. In a recent survey, 581 Twitter users were given several questions in which their Twitter use was gauged, and also questions pertaining to their own personal relationships and lives. In addition, the survey asked if they had cheated on their partner in either physical or emotional ways via their connections through Twitter. The findings were quite telling and significant. Researchers found that, based on the participants’ answers, those who engaged frequently with Twitter had, more often than not, very tumultuous and negative results in their relationships (“Twitter,” 1).
Twitter and other social media forms also can result in addictions, leading to several complications in one’s personal relationships. Often, Twitter or other social media platforms consistently yank individuals away from the real world, taking them away from the present when they would otherwise be spending time with friends, loved ones, and family. For example, the more involved one is with Twitter, the more isolated they will become, as individuals commonly mistake their virtual relationships for real world relationships. Although people may feel like they are connecting effectively with others through the Internet, electronic relationships also lead to social isolation, often to a debilitating extent. Additionally, it deprives individuals of necessary and healthful human contact. Real-life interactions are unable to be exchanged through Twitter, which can be damaging emotionally, especially with extended use over time (Lickerman, 1).
While Twitter is excellent for exchanging information rapidly and efficiently, it is unable to handle the emotional transactions that would otherwise constitute good etiquette in real life. For example, in a real-world conflict, perhaps at work, two conflicting individuals may be forced to encounter one another, thus allowing them to work out any issues. However, Twitter evades physical confrontation, and thus derives individuals of the responsibility they should take for their actions. In this way, the actual issue is effectively prevented, thanks to Twitter. In a way, this leads to “emotional invisibility,” and allows people to say whatever they wish, to anyone, at anytime. The responsibility associated for their remarks, however, dissipates under the guise of the social media platform, such as Twitter (Lickerman, 1).
In conclusion, Twitter poses a number of risks to the healthy functioning of one’s personal relationships. Research has shown a positive correlation between increased Twitter use and harmful effects on relationships, thereby demonstrating the risks involved with utilizing Twitter to an unhealthy extent. As long as individuals continue to replace their real world relationships with virtual substitutes, individuals will face many problems and conflicts in their own personal relationships.
- Bui, Hoai. “Twitter May Kill Your Relationship.” USA Today. 9 July 2014. Web. 15 Nov. 2015. http://www.usatoday.com/
- Lickerman, Alex. “The Effect Of Technology On Relationships.” Psychology Today. 1 June 2010. Web. 15 Nov. 2015. https://www.psychologytoday.com
- “Twitter Users Risk Ruining Their Relationships, Study Shows.” The Australian. 1 July 2014. Web. 15 Nov. 2015. http://www.theaustralian.com.au/
