The Dangers of Social Media on Marriage and Family

Social media is everywhere these days, with many people spending an inordinate amount of their free time plugged into their laptops or smart devices as they keep tabs on dating sites like this or their preferred social media platforms. While there are undoubted positives of keeping abreast of the latest developments, there can be no denying the equally detrimental aspects of having such ready access to such a strong distraction. This will have a particularly negative impact on marriage and family.

Online voyeurism

One hazardous aspect of the likes of Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and others, is the fluid nature of these platforms. They are particularly alluring for casual browsers because the information presented in anyone’s home page is constantly evolving. The urge to continually access these channels to remain up-to-date with events can be an irresistible urge.

Snooping around; or worse

Some individuals access their partner’s social media posts, not to empathize or comment of posts, but to snoop, keeping a close eye on their activities when they are not actually together. For others, there’s always a temptation to check out other attractive site users, particularly if they are going through what might be termed a ‘rocky patch’ where they are constantly falling out with each other. This is where one party might be compelled to get in touch with an old flame, then send private messages.

Dangers to marriage and family

Excessive use of social media is an obvious danger where marriage and family are concerned. If one partner is spending too much time engaging in their favorite platform, the other half might begin to question their dedication to this partnership. Where children are concerned, the situation can become even more complex.

There can be a tendency for younger site users to disappear into their bedrooms for long periods of time as they engage in online games. This can become particularly addictive for group connections. In extreme cases, the participants can find it hard to readjust to reality after being immersed in the virtual world for lengthy sessions. In fact, there have been instances where teenagers being denied access to their favorite aspects of social media as a punishment have reacted in a similar way to addicts experiencing withdrawal symptoms.

Negative emotions

Where social media will have a particularly negative impact on marriage and family is in the way it can create feelings of anxiety, envy or a lack of self-esteem. In more extreme instances, this can even lead to instances of depression. There are many complex reasons why anyone engaging in social media would have this kind of experience, rather than the more widespread positive feelings typically associated with, say, sharing funny videos.

People being confronted with a relentless stream of immaculate gym bodies in Photoshopped portfolios might feel their own self-worth plummeting. Being continually confronted with boastful posts about expensive holidays, a new house or an expensive car, will have the same effect. This is where it can be possible for negative emotions to actually begin spiraling until someone is in need of professional medical attention because they are experiencing such negative emotions these have degenerated to depressive illness.

To summarise, social media can be a double-edged sword. The sheer convenience of having so much engrossing activity available at your fingertips, practically 24/7, can have good points and bad points. It is a fantastic way of keeping up-to-date with all the latest news about any manner of subjects, from your favorite films to a new restaurant which is opening uptown. On the other hand, there can be no denying many people find it hard to prioritize the real world, and what lies beyond their web browsers.