Social media has become an integral part of our lives, and it has also had a significant impact on our relationships. For couples, social media can be a blessing or a harm based on how it is used. It can help to strengthen relationships by keeping couples connected and allowing them to share their lives with each other. On the other hand, social media can also be a source of conflict and tension, as couples may compare their own relationships to the ones they see on social media.
How Social Media Can Strengthen Marriages.
Staying connected: Social media can help couples stay connected even when they are apart. They can share photos, videos, and updates about their lives, and they can also communicate with each other through social media messaging. This can help couples feel closer even when they are not physically together.
Building relationships: Social media can also help couples build relationships with their extended families and friends. They can share photos and videos of their lives, and they can also connect with their loved ones on a more regular basis. This can help couples feel more supported and connected to their community. You gain tips on how to build and spice up your relationship from honest marriage accounts.
Learning about each other's interests: Social media can also be a way for couples to learn more about each other's interests and hobbies. They can share photos and videos of their activities, and they can also follow each other's favorite accounts. This can help couples bond over their shared interests and learn more about each other's passions. You get tips on some ideas to try out to enhance the relationship. There are myriads of content to follow on social media. Example, cooking tips, home decor tips, vacation tips, anniversary celebration tips and much more.
Celebrating milestones: Social media can also be a way for couples to celebrate milestones in their relationship. They can share photos and videos of their wedding, their anniversary, and other special occasions. This can help couples remember their special moments and cherish their relationship. You may find a community that also celebrates your victories with you as well as sympathize with you in your losses.
How Social Media Harm Marriages?
Comparison: Social media can make it easy to compare your relationship to others. You may see other couples who seem to be having more fun, or who seem to be more in love. This can lead to feelings of insecurity and jealousy, which can damage the relationship. Because people mostly show the beautiful parts of their lives on social media, a follower may think that a couple’s marriage is perfect and see all the wrongs about theirs. We tend to forget that few people will ever show the down part of their marriages to the world. Partners tend to feel the pressure of being compared unrealistically to others.
Distraction: Social media can be a major distraction. It can be easy to get sucked into scrolling through your feed, or checking your notifications. This can take away from your time with your spouse, and it can also lead to arguments and resentment. I used to use social media to get away from the pressures of life. I followed accounts that made me laugh. My husband felt left out most of the time and alone to the point that we were having a lot of differences. He felt it was distracting me and I felt it helped me get away from troubles. It feels more like cheating on a partner with social media.
Privacy: Social media can be a threat to privacy. If you are not careful, you may share too much personal information about yourself and your spouse online. This information could be used by others to harm your relationship or family.
Cyberbullying: Social media can be a platform for cyberbullying. If you or your spouse is being bullied online, it can be very damaging to your relationship. You find others who will never have anything positive to say about your marriage or family should you post anything about it on social media.
Addiction: Social media addiction is a real problem. It is made to keep one drawn in. If you or your spouse are spending too much time on social media, it can take away from your relationship and your overall well-being. You may even end up being more attracted to the people you're seeing online than your partner. Remember anything you spend lots of time with, you grow fond of.
So, how can couples use social media for a healthy marriage? Here are a few tips:
Set boundaries. It is important to set boundaries around social media use. This means deciding how much time you will spend on social media, and what you will and will not share online.
Be honest with each other. If you are feeling insecure or jealous, talk to your spouse about it. Honesty is essential for a healthy relationship.
Focus on the positive. Instead of comparing your relationship to others, focus on the positive aspects of your own relationship. What do you love about your spouse? What makes your relationship special?
Use social media to connect with each other. Instead of scrolling through your feed mindlessly, use social media to connect with your spouse. Share photos and videos of your day, or send each other messages.
Social media can be a great tool for couples, but it is important to use it wisely. If you are mindful of your social media use, and if you focus on the positive aspects of your relationship, then social media can be a blessing for your marriage.