Category Archives: Social
Research Reveal that 5 Ways Social Media Can Hurt Your Relationships Badly
Over 3 billion people use social media worldwide. 3 billion. As a result of this widespread use, the ways that we communicate – with friends, family, coworkers, strangers – have changed forever.
We’re not going to get into a discussion of whether social media is good or bad. Social media, as with pretty much every other technology in existence, is used for both.
Let’s look at Facebook. To give you an idea just how much Facebook has penetrated our social fabric, consider this statistic: approximately 90 percent of all 18-29 year old’s have a Facebook account. That’s an extraordinary number.
This age range also happens to be when the vast majority of us:
– start college
– graduate college
– look for a life partner
– begin our career
– change jobs
– get married
It’s no surprise, then, that social media can profoundly influence our relationships, both personally and professionally.
Again, we’re not here to debate the pros and cons of social media. That said, dimwits the world over have been sacked from jobs, served divorce papers and had their reputation destroyed – all because of some silly social media shenanigans.
HERE ARE SOME THINGS TO DO AND NOT TO DO ON SOCIAL MEDIA IF YOU’D LIKE TO KEEP YOUR RELATIONSHIPS INTACT, ACCORDING TO EXPERTS:
1. DON’T GET OVERLY EMOTIONAL
Okay, quick question: have you ever misinterpreted the meaning or tone of a text or email? Probably. The reason: all of us have a difficult time understanding emotional nuances behind a text, email, or post. Technology requires people to communicate their intent completely differently than they would during a conversation, where they would use words, tone, and body language. At times, your brain’s filter will inaccurately signal an emotional undertone to a message where there is none. This can get us into trouble.
Hence, the advice here is two-fold. First, do not post to social media when you’re in an emotionally vulnerable state. Second, do not reply to someone else’s emotional post. Seek clarification if a response is required before posting anything.
