Social Media Concept Essay

How Social Media Has Changed the Way Society Views Dating

Social networks play a large role in the development of relationships, from dating all the way to marriage. 

This infographic provides some very interesting stats about Facebook users and their relationships. Speaking in terms of the way this platform has affected relationships, this points out the fact that we can now see what our ex is doing and how they are getting along without us, setting us up to constantly compare not only our relationship to others that we see online, but also our partner as we compare them to others that we may be interested in. 

I also think that there is something to be said for the fact that our social media profiles on a million different platforms make all of us much more attainable, and leave little to the imagination. For example, when you first meet someone, you can check out their online presence and learn pretty much everything about them. This is bad for two reasons: first, you're making a judgement and creating preconceived notions about an individual based on their profile alone. Second, you're learning so much about them, that it cuts out what would typically be discussed and discovered during the first stages of dating. This removes so much of the mystery that is appealing and important in relationships.

Finally, the ability to constantly know what the other person is doing, who they are talking to, where they are, who they are with, pictures they've taken can turn even the nicest and most trusting girls into crazy ex-girlfriend stalker material. Again, this is where mystery is important, and I have a feeling that this will prove to contribute to many trust issues for our generation that can be seen down the road.

Overall, there are a few good and positive features that social media has contributed to the world of dating and courting, including the opportunity to see mutual friends and get a feel for who a person is, as well as staying connected during long distance relationships, but I believe that ultimately social media has put a strain on relationships and that we will see the negative effects and consequences of this reliance in the years to come.