The Impact Social Networking has on Your Marriage

What is Social Networking?

 We all know what social networking is, we use almost everyday our lives. Social networking has become such an integrated aspect of our lives, we use it to interact with people all around the world, both on a personal and professional basis. And as technology continuously advances, it becomes difficult to stay away from it, its easily accessible in our phones, our television sets, our laptops even our watches, amazing isn't it? But for those who don't know what it is, lets just define it for their sakes. Social networking can be defined as a "social platform" service whereby people build social relations among people who share common interests, activities, photos, real life etc. Compared to a couple years ago, social networking as we know it today has made interaction with the outside world so much simpler. But whilst social networking can prove beneficial to us it can also create obstacles for some, especially married couples. 

How can social networking affect your marriage?

The use of social sites and platforms have proven to bring people closer together, but believe it or not it has also proven to drift many people apart. Once used properly, it shouldn't cause any harm but over using it can proven disastrous for relationships. Can the use of social networking really cause problems for a married couple? Well my friends, the answer is yes. There is nothing wrong in using social sites to keep in contact with your loved ones and meet new friends but one has to know their limits. Over abuse of these sites can create problems in your marriage such as conflict, trust issues etc. Sitting hours behind the computer or on your phone engaging yourself in conversations with friends and family can make your spouse feel neglected and hurt. It can become the cause for conflict in your marriage and make your spouse even doubt your intentions.

Meeting new friends who share common goals and interests is nice. It's nice to have someone to talk about the things we like, but engaging in conversations especially with the opposite sex can get out of control.When you engage in conversations with the opposite sex, especially with someone who is not related to you, it can eventually lead to intimate conversations and emotional attachments without you even noticing it. And before you even realize it, you are sharing your life stories with this person more than your own spouse. Engaging in such conversations can lead to emotional attachments which can prove to cloud your judgment. You may even agree to start video chatting, talking on the phone etc.and before you know it, you're cheating and you eventually drift away from the one you truly love.

I'm not saying this happens with everyone, but trust me it does happen. Now the person who is over using the social sites may not necessarily be the one doing anything wrong, but does your wife or husband know this. They may believe that you are and it can create conflict as i mentioned before. It can also push your neglected spouse to search for the attention on the the outside. So my friends please learn to use these sites appropriately. A piece of advice for all married couples, set some boundaries when it comes to social networking. Don't let the negative effects of it hamper your relationship.