The Evolution of Social Media and Its Impact on Human Relationships
- jessevisionfactory
- Aug 12
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 26
Author: Chiara Veri
From Connection to Disconnection?
Because of or thanks to social media there has been a very profound change in the way we interact, communicate and build relationships with others. They appeared in the early 2000s and platforms like Facebook, Instagram and the like have in some ways helped distant people feel much closer to each other, but they have also greatly changed the dynamics of relationships between people and raised many questions about individual authenticity, mental health and empathy.
The shift in interpersonal communication
Before social media, interactions between people mainly took place face-to-face or over the phone. Today, many relationships, both personal and professional, are established and maintained via online platforms. In addition, instant messages or public posts have replaced deep and important conversations, making communication faster but often more superficial.
This change has brought benefits, such as the ability to keep in touch with distant friends or reconnect with people from the past. However, digital communication has reduced direct human contact, which is crucial for developing empathy and understanding. Emotions and intentions can easily be misunderstood via a screen.
Digital Relationships and Authenticity
One of the key aspects of the evolution of social media concerns the construction of online identity, as many users often tend to present an idealized and unrealistic emotion of themselves on social media, choosing precisely the photos and content to share. This creates a kind of digital “showcase” that can lead to unrealistic expectations and negatively affect the self-esteem of those who post but also those who observe.
In addition, relationships born or maintained on social can appear to be less authentic, and the concept of friendship can be said to have been redefined. Having “friends” on Facebook does not necessarily imply having real or deep ties, and at the same time Likes and comments have become indicators of social approval and increasingly condition behavior, constantly increasing the need for attention.
Effects on mental health and emotional well-being
There are many studies linking excessive use of social media to serious disorders such as anxiety, depression but also loneliness. We tend to constantly compare ourselves with the seemingly perfect lives of others, and this can enerate envy and dissatisfaction. In addition, there is also an addiction to virtual notifications and interactions that can lead to isolation in real life.
In addition, digital platforms lead to the release of dopamine, the same neurotransmitter linked to pleasure and addiction. In addition, this mechanism increases compulsive use of social media, reducing the time to devote to authentic relationships and more important activities, such as an afternoon with friends.
Opportunities and positive connections
Despite the risks, social media have also improved the quality of various relationships: for example, families separated by distance can stay in touch thanks to social media, but groups with common interests can also be created, and many social movements can find a platform to grow and shift public thinking
In addition, for people who are more introverted or have social difficulties, social media provides a space where they can express themselves more freely. In addition, digital platforms have also played a very important role during difficult times, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing people to maintain relationships and give support to others despite physical isolation.
Ethical and Cultural Challenges
Just as artificial intelligence journalism, social media also raises ethical issues, as the spread of fake news or cyberbullying represent only some of the phenomena that pose serious risks to individual well-being but also to social relationships.
In addition, the dependence on social media platforms raises issues related to privacy and user manipulation; in fact, the concept of visibility and performance on social media has also transformed various romantic relationships, where very often appearance prevails over everything.
Conclusion: humanity and technology compared
It is difficult to say and evaluate whether social media are good or bad, it can rather be said that they are powerful tools that often amplify the dynamics of society. At the same time they can bring us closer or isolate us, but this varies depending on how we behave and how we use them. What matters is finding a balance between the digital and real worlds.
As always, the human component remains irreplaceable: emotions and empathy, as well as direct contact are elements that no technology will be able to fully replicate.