In today’s society, social networks are an integral part of people’s everyday lives. These platforms offer convenient access to information, resources, and various opportunities. They have become indispensable for tasks such as conducting business, completing homework assignments, making new friends, and staying updated with news. However, alongside their usefulness, social networks also bring about numerous problems. Incidents involving financial scams, suicides, and even homicides have occurred through these platforms. As a result, individuals with malicious intentions may jeopardize personal relationships in pursuit of their own interests. While modern communication through social networks undoubtedly offers advantages, it cannot be ignored that it also has negative impacts on human relationships and spreads contagious effects. Notably, according to Dr. Rachna (2010), modern communication via social networks adversely affects human relationships. Social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Friendster enable us to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds whom we might not encounter in our usual work environment. This has led many businessmen to conduct their operations using these platforms.
To establish a strong connection, businesses should prioritize treating all customers with respect. This may involve seeking closer relationships with individuals, even if you may not initially desire it. These interactions can be mentally taxing as they often involve dealing with customer demands, which can create uneven dynamics in relationships. Furthermore, this can cause changes in one’s usual conduct, making communication more challenging. According to Cacioppo (2009), emotions can easily spread within social networks and have an infectious effect. For example, if you witness someone expressing anger, loneliness, or hostility on your online social network, it is likely to impact your own mood. Thus, negative behavior from others can still influence you even if there has been no personal or professional interaction between you.
As people engage more in social networks, they may experience moodiness within these platforms. Some individuals use these networks to display their wealth, attractiveness, and high status, which can make others feel envious and have low self-esteem. Consequently, some people resort to complaining about aspects of their lives such as parents and studies, even if those things are not truly problematic. This can easily lead to negative emotions. However, social networks also offer various benefits such as connecting with siblings and friends from different countries. Additionally, they provide access to information, news, and the opportunity for engaging in discussions about important topics with friends. Moreover, social networks keep us updated on our friends’ current statuses and allow us to participate in social activities while also influencing society. These platforms also bring together individuals with similar interests through groups on platforms like Facebook where personal stories and experiences can be freely shared. Nevertheless, there are also numerous strange and untrustworthy elements present on social networks that pose risks. For example, one might receive mysterious messages, calls or news from anonymous sources.
Fraudulent groups often employ various tactics and deceptions to exploit your assets, such as wealth, real estate, and bank accounts. The social network can be unpredictable and unfamiliar to some individuals, with both positive and negative impacts on everyone. Its effects depend on specific circumstances and the individuals using it. However, one certainty is that modern-day communication through social networks has a contagious effect on human relationships. It is common for people to use social networks nowadays, but some individuals become excessively dependent on them. I advise teenagers to practice self-control in order to enjoy a wonderful lifestyle since addiction to social networks has led many to suffer financial losses, experience mental instability, and find themselves in distressing situations. Tragic incidents are likely to continue increasing.
