Assessing ways in which social media influences interpersonal connections

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.