Redefining Relationships with Social Media
Posted by Alek Jones | Posted in Social Media Marketing | Posted on 07-06-2011
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There is no denying communication is continually evolving at a rapid pace in trying to keep up with technology. The integration of social media such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, to name a few, makes it is easier than ever to reach more people whether they be old relationships or new. In fact, the success is so great that even universities are jumping aboard, offering online degrees made possible because of social media. Several debates on the subject look into how quantity affects quality. Some arguments suggest personal relationships suffer due to the lack of intimate conversations. Others argue that continuing relationships are possible only because of the various networks. No matter what one’s opinion on the matter is, the reality is that relationships are being redefined by social media, and there is no way to stop it.
The traditional labels of new, old, or current close friends, alongside with family still hold true in regards to social media, however, deeper definitions have changed. An obvious change can be seen beginning with a look at the formation of new friendships. Before the times of social media networks, friendships traditionally formed when people met face to face, had a conversation or two, and got to know each other. Eventually plans were made to hang out, and the relationship would usually advance or die out. Now people will become friends with each other on Facebook before they have even had a chance to get to know each other personally. New friendships can begin by simply knowing someone else has a similar taste in music, for example. Quick social interactions through social media lines may or may not deepen into something more, but often times they end up maintaining at a distance.
Changes have also been made in regards to how old friends are defined. Old friends in the past would often either get lost along the way, or sporadic contact sometimes over vast amounts of time would take place. Now it’s easier to keep in touch, making friends of the past a part of the present. Updates through social media networks are constantly covering life experiences and the emotions that go along with them. In addition to the opportunity of keeping up to date on what is going on, one can also comment on events in an effort to sympathize, encourage, or rejoice with their friends.
With current friends and family members, the new definition includes being more actively involved in daily events. Traditionally, current friends and family would only have time to joke around and catch up by telephone calls, or getting together during some down time. Sometimes life gets to be so hectic it is easier to push aside the traditional ways of keeping in touch, with the thought in mind that the phone call or get together will happen eventually. Now, depending on what social media is being used, those relationships can be maintained anywhere from daily to by the minute.
At a superficial glance social media is the integration of technology and communication lending the opportunity for a larger reach of social interaction. But in a deeper sense, the social relationship has been redefined because of it. Whether or not the relationships suffer or benefit from new social media networks is not up to others to debate. It is really up to the individual involved in maintaining the relationships.
