Love in the digital age: has social media enhanced or hindered romance?
Remember the days when romance was a little simpler? When love letters were handwritten, and the biggest relationship drama was waiting for your crush to call your landline, BBM texts and mixit chats?
Fast forward to today, and we live in a world where a single Instagram like can spark an argument, and a WhatsApp blue tick can determine your relationship status.
Social media has revolutionised the way we meet, communicate, and break up, but has it actually made romance better or worse? We asked South Africans to weigh in, and the results were eye-opening.
Love in the age of social media
From Cape Town to Johannesburg, young South Africans are navigating relationships in a digital world where "ghosting," "soft-launching," and "situationships" have become the norm.
In a survey conducted by Hootsuite, 60% of respondents globally said social media has positively impacted their relationships.
The convenience of instant messaging, video calls, and dating apps makes finding and maintaining connections easier than ever.
But while technology has made communication faster, it hasn’t necessarily made it better.
The downside: trust issues and digital drama
Social media has blurred the lines between innocent interactions and emotional cheating. According to the survey findings, nearly 80% of people have questioned their partner’s loyalty based on something they saw online.
The findings show that:
- 65% of people believe liking someone’s photos is a form of flirting.
- Men are more likely (80%) to think this than women (50%).
- 60% of relationships have ended because of something posted online.
So, if your partner suddenly starts liking every picture of a certain someone, it might not be paranoia it could be a red flag.
The “receipts” culture and breakup spectacles
Before social media, if a relationship ended, it was a private affair. Now, it’s public property. Screenshots, subtweets, and cryptic Instagram captions have turned breakups into digital soap operas.
And to be brutally honest, people don’t just move on quietly anymore. Now, they post about it, delete all your pictures, and make sure everyone knows they’re single.
In the famous words of our favourite popstar Ariana Grande, “Thank you, next! “
The constant online scrutiny has made relationships more performative. Many feel pressure to curate a "perfect" love life leading to comparisons, insecurities, and unrealistic expectations.
It can be exhausting. You see couples posting their baecations and matching outfits, and suddenly, your relationship feels boring in comparison.
Can we save romance?
Many people believe that social media itself isn't the problem; rather, it's how we use it, despite the chaos it can cause.
Relationship experts suggest:
1. Set boundaries: Decide what’s acceptable in your relationship. Is following an ex okay? What about DMing strangers? Talk about it before it becomes a problem.
2. Avoid public drama: If you’re upset, talk to your partner, not your followers. Social media shouldn’t be your therapist.
3. Take digital detoxes: Spending too much time online can lead to unrealistic expectations, log off and focus on real-life moments. with your partner.
4. Don’t compare your relationship to others: Remember, people only post the highlights. Real love isn’t just about cute pictures it’s about trust, communication, and connection.
Is social media ruining romance?
The answer? Yes and no. While social media can create unnecessary drama, it also helps couples stay connected across distances. The key is using it wisely without letting it control your love life.