Has Social Media Ruined Us?
[Currently listening: Smother by Daughter, Tiger Striped Sky by Roo Panes, You There by Aquilo & Brooklyn Baby by Barfalk ]
When was the last time you started dating someone, and they actually picked up the phone AND CALLED YOU. They didn't send the impersonal text, "Hey, How R u?". Call me old fashioned, but I think we rely way too much on texting, facebook messenger, and tindering to communicate with others. I understand using a text as a way of communicating when the person is busy, or when we want to say a quick line to that person, but how often do we use texting as our main method of reaching out to someone?
Why don't we bring back true communication. Set down the phone, get off the computers, and meet people face to face. But first, let's go over how social media has completely changed our generation, and thrown a wrench in the relationship world:
1. "Hook-Up Generation"- Yes, I said it. We are the hook up generation. I am not sure when this all happened, but this generation of teens is using social media for a quick hook up. Are we trying to avoid true relationships? Skipping conversation and going straight for the hook up? Either way, we are skipping too many bases without even knowing this other person. It's dangerous, disgusting and quite shocking. When did we become all about having sex? STDs and teen pregnancy trends are rising because of this generation. Have some respect for yourself and go on a real date, without alcohol or sex involved.
2. "Catfishing"- What is Catfishing? Well according to Urban Dictionary, "a catfish is someone who pretends to be someone they're not using Facebook or other social media to create false identities, particularly to pursue deceptive online romances." Basically, people are spending way too much time behind a computer screen trying to be someone that they are not, evoking some sort of real emotion from a fake online relationship and someone ends up looking like a fool. Instead, why don't these people get outside, work on their self-esteem, and find meaningful relationships that won't blow up in their face.
3. "Unrealistic Ideas of a Relationship"- How many of us have read The Notebook, or watched The Bachelor/Bachelorette? We get these images or ideas in our head about what kind of relationship we want, but the truth is, we don't know what we want until we date. We will not all have a perfect relationship, and that is okay! Arguments in a relationship allow us to grow and make us realize what we want or don't want out of a relationship. Getting through the tough times will only allow you two to grow closer, and if you realize that relationship just isn't the right one for you, then break it off.
4. "Automatic"- Miranda Lambert said it best with her new song "Automatic" when she says, "Boys would call the girls, and girls would turn them down. Staying married was the only way to work your problems out". Now days, the divorce rate is higher than ever, and why do you think this is? We want everything done now, at a click of a button, and this doesn't work when you are in a relationship. Also, most girls do not give boys a chase anymore, or vice versa. Let the person know that you are interested in them, but don't give up all of the goods right away. Afterall, why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free?
5. "Selfish Generation"- Not saying that all of this generation is selfish, but much more selfish than our parents or grandparents were. I think that this ties into point #4 about having everything at the click of a button. We are the iphone generation, the tinder generation, and the "selfie" generation. Again, let's put the phones down and look up at the world every once in a while, because I don't think we realize what (or who) might be passing us by.
6. Online Dating- Again, not saying that online dating is a bad thing, but it really is a thing of this generation. Our parents and grandparents did not meet online. They had to call, write letters, or God forbid go out into the real world and find the love of their life. I've seen and heard of online dating success stories, and I'm really not dissing it, but just let things happen how they are supposed to happen.
To sum it all up, just take things slow. I promise you that a relationship is bound to happen for you if you get off of your phone, and just communicate with people in the real world every once in a while. We don't need to be all about hooking up, or just texting. Go on some dates, get to know that person before diving into a relationship.
As always, if you have any questions you would like me to answer or explore, you can always email me!
❤️ J
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