Abstract:
The widespread integration of social media into everyday life has brought about
profound changes in the way individuals communicate and maintain personal
relationships. Traditional approaches to relationship-building, which once relied
heavily on face-to-face interactions and emotional cues, are now being redefined by
digital communication. This paper presents a critical examination of the impact of
social media platforms on key aspects of interpersonal relationships, including
emotional closeness, communication styles, authenticity, and mental well-being.
Adopting a secondary research methodology, the study draws on a diverse range of
sources, including peer-reviewed academic literature, global institutional reports,
and empirical digital media studies. Through thematic analysis, the research
identifies recurring patterns and insights into how digital interactions shape
relational experiences across different age groups and cultural contexts.
The findings reveal a dual narrative: while social media facilitates connectivity, self-
expression, and support across geographical boundaries, it also contributes to
challenges such as reduced emotional depth, increased social comparison, and
mental health concerns like anxiety and loneliness. The curated nature of online
identities often leads to superficial connections, impacting the authenticity and trust
that underpin meaningful relationships.
This study emphasizes the importance of fostering digital mindfulness to mitigate the
adverse effects of excessive or misinformed social media use. It advocates for a more
balanced approach to digital engagement—one that preserves the benefits of online
communication while reinforcing emotional intelligence and offline interpersonal
skills.
