The thought of being left on seen or delivered has caused high school students to stress over their self-worth and relationships. This can translate to high expectations and suspicion, making social media a path to a ruined relationship.
Social media usage is prevalent and common amongst teenagers. According to Pew Research Center, roughly six in 10 teens say they use Tiktok or Instagram, and 55 percent say the same for Snapchat.
Teens often use social media to like, comment or “friend” someone who they think is attractive. This easy sense of reaching out to someone has made romantic interactions more casual but also more superficial, often prioritizing appearances over meaningful connections.
“I can’t stand an online talking stage,” sophomore Doriann Pierre Louis said. “There is so much stress about meeting up without even getting to know each other.”
Many teenagers use social media to keep track of someone’s location. There are features on apps like Snapchat that allow users to see each other’s activity and exact location, leading to a toxic environment of surveillance. The temptation of having access to anything can lead to trust issues, which could become gradually damaging.
In relation to a destructive environment, a little red heart or comment can easily deplete a teenage relationship. According to the Washington Post, the term “micro-cheating” dictates small actions of betrayal, which can also cause mistrust in a relationship. Couples meticulously monitor and investigate each other’s digital habits for signs of disloyalty. Some characterize this as liking another person’s post or reposting something on TikTok. This action constitutes many arguments, showing how the exposure of others can eventually deteriorate the relationship.
“I feel like tension in a relationship is created through checking someone’s activity,” sophomore Naella Ophre said. “It also gets me to think, ‘Why do you need to like another person’s photo when you already have a significant other?’”
The idea of comparison has plagued teenage relationships through social media. According to Media Milwaukee, social media often showcases idealized versions of reality. Us as the viewers fail to see the “perfect couples” arguments and imperfections, which leads to dissatisfaction in our own relationships.
Envisioning a “perfect couple” isn’t always what it may seem. Pictures and videos are posted by many teenage couples, showing off their happy relationship while usually doing something romantic. However, not everything on social media is true, meaning that we do not know what actually happens behind the closed doors of the relationship.
Social media has created challenges in maintaining healthy teen relationships. Letting social media dictate your life can ruin a bond even just with one click. Even though social media can be used to communicate freely, sometimes it can lead to a downward spiral of emotions and tension.