THE IMPACT OF TECHNOLOGY ON SOCIAL MEDIA RELATIONSHIPS

Abstract

The incorporation of sophisticated technology into everyday life has dramatically changed people's social relationship initiation, maintenance, and perception. The advent of digital communication means people are now more connected than ever, going beyond geographic and time boundaries. In particular, social media platforms have significantly helped to enable continuous engagement. This increased connectivity comes with a paradox, though: while digital platforms allow for fast and continuous interaction, they frequently undermine relationships through their lack of depth and integrity. Excessive social media use may increase feelings of isolation and lower the quality of face-to-face contacts, according to research. Many times, the transition from in-person interaction to screen-mediated one results in miscommunication, less empathy, and emotional disconnection. Moreover, continuous exposure to digital personas and curated content encourages false expectations and therefore sometimes generates envy and uncertainty in interpersonal relationships. Still, technology provides paths for emotional assistance and inclusion, particularly for underprivileged or spread-out groups. As society keeps developing digitally, striking a balance between technical simplicity and personal interaction becomes absolutely necessary. To guarantee that our relationships are strengthened not destroyed by means of social media and other digital technologies, an honest examination of their use is vital.