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Copyright Image: Getty Images 2009
We all have heard the jargon,
"Text me"
"I'll post this on Facebook"
"Tweet you later"
The world's fascination with social networking sites are undeniable and cannot be overlooked. The girths of the top social networks Facebook, Myspace, and Twitter are astounding. The numbers don't lie. Although Twitter was created in 2006, It has gained widespread popularity this year in 2009. According to Mark Zuckerberg, founder of Facebook, states that it has over 250,000,000 registered users, as of July 2009. Myspace is fighting to catch up to it. Stan Schroeder, a writer for mashable.com, has offered the following projection between the two networks:
Image Credit: Stan Schroeder
Twitter has been in the ranks of competing with the players of the big leagues, Facebook and Myspace. It has even adopted a more modern login page earlier this year. We can all safely expect more alterations from Twitter in order for it to continue to remain relevant. Apart from being social networks, all three companies may share the same fear of being ephemeral. This may continue to lead them in a never-ending chase of gaining more registered active users.
To what expense, if any-has this caused in maintaining our romantic relationships? Are the effects strictly a positive or negative effect associated with the networks and our relationships?
A: The answer to this question can either shift in two directions, the right or left end of a spectrum. Yes, it can have either a positive or a negative impact.
For many people today, social networking sites are a great way to keep in touch with their significant other. A group of people may even concur that it is the "public display of affection" (PDA) of our time.
Couples who are in long committed relationships are usually naturally trusting of each other. Social networks may not pose as a huge problem of concern. However, it does not immune them to all issues that could arise.
For example, on a public forum called, "Keith and the girl", several members have posted their own Facebook and Myspace relationship issues and stories.
The following stories are unedited and are from : Keith and the girl forum
"My boyfriend got mad because Jeremy left a comment on my myspace about 'poking' me at the Lawrence meet-up. It was a reference to how I hate being 'poked' on facebook. He didn't get it.I had to delete, Jeremy. Sorry. Bfs are lame.
-USER1I got engaged a few weeks ago and changed my status after we informed our close friends and family we knew on there about it. I have since had numerous friends get mad at me because they found out through facebook rather than me telling them.Not like I was going to post a note saying "Hey, I got engaged!"
-USER2
In order to survive in a romantic relationship through the social network boom, you must place an importance on communication, privacy, respect, and trust.
For most cases, romantic relationships that are fruitful often maintain some level of privacy in the public eye. The more people invited into a personal relationship often equates to higher levels of public scrutiny. This alone, can immensely put strain in any romantic relationship.
In conclusion, it is probably not a good idea to air out your "dirty laundry" to the public nor is it acceptable to release hidden messages online about your romantic personal issues, without consulting with your significant other first.
Social networking relationship etiquette-
Maintain the "other" type of communication: It is important to let go of the technology of 'texting' all the time to actually pick up the phone and call. I can't stress this enough, especially for newly budding relationships. There is a bond that is created when one hears the voice of their significant other. There is only so much emotion one can reveal in typing. Reassurance is often displayed in another’s voice rather than their text.
Don't reveal all personal moments to everyone: Personal relationships thrive on being just that-- personal. It is always pleasant and rewarding to keep most things on a 1:1. When you brew a nice cocktail of respect, trust, privacy, and communication you will be on the right track of maintaining or achieving healthy relationship fitness.
Writer: Amanda Ebokosia | Twitter: @ebokosia
E-mail: model@amandaebokosia.com
Comments
Great article! There are just some things you don't post to Facebook or tweet on Twitter. Also, when it communicating with an S/O, in-person is much more, well...personal. :-)
Sorry for the typo in that last comment - haven't had my caffeine yet this morning. lol - should read "when communicating," not "when 'it' communicating"...
Thanks Lyn Lomasi, I feel as a society our privacy is now becoming more rare. Humans are social creatures, which comes to no surprise why social networks are becoming increasingly popular. We lose more of our privacy, the way Celebrities do, by investing our time with what is 'suppose' to help connect us. I see social networks as a great vehicle to help businesses and promote projects. I do think however it should not be the only way to communicate or stay in contact with loved ones, there is something really wrong about that, if it is.
Your Right on! Social networking drama is soo Lame! Great Article!
Thank you Samuel for your feedback, social networking drama is becoming more of an issue now than ever before.
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