People tend
to say things “behind a computer screen” which they wouldn't say in a
conversation in person. Finally, we’ve
all experienced the friends that claim they are too busy to
call each other or arrange to meet in person, yet they spend hours on social
media sites.[i]
On the other hand, there are many arguments to prove
that Facebook and Twitter have positively impacted relationships and friendship
building. Thanks to Facebook and
Twitter, many people have gotten back in touch with friends from their past,
shared photos and become better acquainted with people they otherwise wouldn’t
have offline. These social media sites
allow friends and relatives to share with each other easily, through statuses,
pictures, videos, music etc. and essentially eliminates the effect of distances
between friends and family. Social media
users can actually make new friends by joining virtual groups based on common
interests, tastes and hobbies and establish and develop new friendships. Finally, Facebook and Twitter can increase
your social capital because you can interact and communicate with more people
online.
Social media is still in its infancy. There has been much research and studies
conducted on the way Facebook, Twitter affect our relationships, but so far, it
is only for the short term. In 10, 20,
30 years from now, it will be interesting to see whether our virtual
friendships will outlast our real friendships.[ii]
By: Michelle P.
[i]
Elizabeth, B. (2009). How
Facebook ruins friendship. The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved from http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052970204660604574370450465849142
[ii]
Perri, L. (2012). How facebook affects our relationships. Psychologies Magazine.
Retrieved from http://www.psychologies.co.uk/self/what-is-facebook-doing-to-our-relationships.html
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