INTRODUCTION

Dating and relationships have been integral aspects of human culture for centuries, with well-
documented theories about love shaping our understanding of these concepts. However, as time
has passed, our ideas about love, dating, marriage, and relationships have evolved, especially with
the rise of social media and dating apps. Today, there are various forms of romantic connections,
including being single, actively looking for a partner, casually dating, being in a committed
relationship, cohabitating or married, and unmarried.

The pervasive use of social media is a defining characteristic of modern society with an average
person spending 144 minutes per day on social media in 2019, up from 90 minutes per day in 2012
(Clement, 2020). ). Media Dependency Theory suggests that the more individuals depend on a
particular form of media, the more it influences their perceptions and behaviors (Joo & Teng, 2017).
This theory is particularly relevant when considering the impact of social media on interpersonal
communication, especially within romantic relationships. Thus, it is reasonable to assume that this
influx of time spent on social media is perpetuating a further dependency on that media and also
fueling trends in user perceptions and behaviors.

A study conducted by The American Psychological Association found that Gen Z also is the
generation most likely to receive mental health treatment, least likely to report being in good mental
health, and has high levels of stress related to societal issues (Bethune, 2019).

Despite its advantages, social media also has its drawbacks. Studies show that while it helps people
feel connected and supported, it can also lead to increased feelings of jealousy, insecurity, and
conflict within relationships (Bethune, 2019). For instance, among partnered adults in the U.S. – that
is, those who are married, cohabiting or in a committed relationship, roughly half (51%) say their
partner is often or sometimes distracted by their cellphone while they are trying to have a
conversation with them, and four-in-ten say they are at least sometimes bothered by the amount of
time their partner spends on their mobile device.

Additionally, the curated and idealized versions of relationships and body images often presented on
social media can create unrealistic expectations and contribute to feelings of inadequacy. With these
feelings of inadequacy people it might lead to increased conflicts in relationships, lower relationship
satisfaction and feelings of being misunderstood. Despite these challenges, social media has also
had positive impacts on relationships. It has revolutionized long-distance relationships, expanded
dating horizons, and strengthened existing relationships through constant connection and
communication (Aparicio-Martinez et al., 2019). It has also provided a platform for individuals to
express love and affection for their partners.

In a study conducted by Skye Bouffard, Deanna Giglio, and Zane Zheng in 2021, it was discovered
that individuals in committed relationships often seek validation from their partners' behaviors on
social media, which can lead to potential conflicts or negative outcomes. For example, publicly
declaring relationship status on social media can indicate a move toward higher commitment (Gábor
et al., 2015). However, disagreements may arise when one partner is reluctant to disclose the status
to their followers, which can negatively impact the overall well-being of the relationship (Papp et al.,
2012). Additionally, certain social media platforms offer features that allow users to see when their
message has been read, leading to feelings of jealousy and resentment if a timely response is not
received from their partner (Vaterlaus et al., 2016). Moreover, individuals may feel envious or bitter
about the attention their partner receives from others in the form of likes and comments (Ridgway &
Clayton, 2016). The pressure for relationship validation can also create psychological stress, erode
self-esteem, and contribute to trust issues that may result in negative relationship outcomes, such as
infidelity (Peluso, 2007). Therefore, social media use presents challenges for both establishing and
maintaining relationships, as it can hinder the development of new relationships and create
difficulties in sustaining mature ones.

In conclusion, social media plays a significant role in shaping modern relationships, influencing how
people perceive, form, and maintain romantic connections. Understanding the complex relationship
between dating and social media is essential for addressing the challenges it presents and harnessing
its benefits in today's digital age.

From the above information, it is clear that social media serves as both positive and negative part in
relationships. However we cannot deny it’s significance in today’s day and age. Therefore it becomes
crucial to understand how dating and social media interact. To understand this complex relationship,
it is essential to first understand the various types of relationship that exist today and how / how
much are they influenced by social media. The influence is measured on 1. Relationship satisfaction,
2. Increased conflict in relationship 3. Quality time spent without usage of social media 4.
Comparison with others relationship on social media.4. frequency and duration of social media

References

https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2020/05/08/dating-and-relationships-in-the-digital-age/

https://mindbodycounselingreno.com/blog/mind-and-body/how-social-media-affects-relationships/