With the rise of social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, it has transformed the way people connect and communicate. Sometimes it can even feel like social media is taking over every part of our lives, including how we date and even form relationships with one another. But is social media really killing romance or is it just changing the way it looks like today? From TikTok videos about “boyfriend expectations” to hard launching a relationship on Instagram, it’s hard to think if what’s being shown through a screen is authentic.
A lot of people today think that social media has turned relationships into something more performative rather than it being personal between two people (maybe even more). An article from The Champion at Liberty University, “Has Social Media Killed Relationships and Romance?” argues that social media can create unrealistic expectations, unnecessary comparison, and can even cause jealousy within romantic relationships. When every message, photo or comment can be seen and judged by everyone, it can make something that should be private feel public and performative. This type of visibility shown on screen can change how people treat each other, which can make relationships feel less genuine and more like a show for others to view.
When I compare how relationships look in real life versus on social media, there is a huge difference. A couple can post having matching outfits and happy moments together but that doesn’t show what’s actually going on behind the scenes. I feel like many try to have this “perfect” version of love that we see online instead of actually focusing on making real meaningful connections. Social media can create a sense of pressure to constantly display happiness, even when that may not even reflect reality.
An article from Her Campus, “Has Social Media Killed Romance?” also points out how the media can change how we communicate with our partners. For example, instead of having real life conversations, it can be easier to send a text or post a story so the other person notices. While this seems convenient, this kind of communication can sometimes lead to confusion, misunderstanding and can even cause unnecessary drama. This is because messages and posts can lack context so it’s easy for partners to misinterpret feelings which can create tension that wouldn’t really occur in real life conversations.
I’m not saying that social media is entirely terrible. I find it adorable when a couple shares a fun moment or shows love for each other and sometimes, social media platforms can help people stay connected when life can get busy. But there is a difference between actually having love for that person and performing love. Real romance does not need validation, it can happen privately without opinions of others and an audience to see. While social media may change how love is shown, it doesn’t have to ruin genuine connections if people remember to focus on the real feelings behind the screen.
