It is hard to get through the month of February without seeing Valentine’s Day decorations and store shelves overflowing with romantic gifts. In the 21st century, however, it is not uncommon for people to show their affection towards each other through technology and on various forms of social media. In a sense, it’s rather obvious that technology has an impact on relationships. In the past, it wasn’t as simple as pushing a button to add someone new on snapchat or sending a text to let someone how you feel. There was significantly more face-to-face communication before technology improved and social media platforms became popular.

Some believe technology has a positive impact on relationships, allowing for perhaps improved communication. However, it seems that a majority of high schoolers see the way that technology has had a negative impact on relationships. Junior Alicia Santana explained,

“It’s hard to put emotion in text so sometimes it can be misinterpreted and as a result of that, it can really hurt a relationship.” While it can be easier for someone to send a text rather than saying something in person, it is hard to consistently communicate exactly what you’re feeling. Not only that, but it is also doubtful that whoever is on the other end is always interpreting things as they were intended. Overall miscommunication is rather inevitable at times, proving the

complication that comes along with relying on technology in a relationship.

“I think we honestly need to express who we are in person not just through a screen,” added Freshman Cameron Boggess. While there are plenty of healthy relationships where both parties communicate in person and not only online, it has without a doubt become increasingly popular for people to talk primarily over text or online and fail to have important face-to-face conversations. Senior Boon Me Yang explained this, stating,

“In my witnessing of a relationship, I saw that they usually connected with each other only through technology, they were very loving and caring. When they met in person they were very awkward towards each other and the connection was not as strong as online, which is very sad to see.” This goes to show how technology has changed the way some relationships work in today’s world. It is also completely possible for two people to first meet online rather than in person. Some people start long distance relationships with someone they’ve never met face to face. The possibilities are almost endless as far as reaching people around the country or even around the world. The downside is that things obviously may not be the same in person. Another student who saw this flaw is Freshman Dylan Timm, who explained,

“There are things people will send or say to people on social media but they won’t do it or say in person.” It is a sad truth that shows how ironically, many of us have become less social as we increase our use of social media. All too often, people meet online and start to talk, but when they see each other in person things feel different and they don’t know how to act because they’re accustomed to the simplicity of sending a text or a snapchat behind a screen.

To be fair, there are people who have carried out healthy relationships thanks to the use of technology. Sophomore Johnny Montanez stated,

“It’s far easier to connect with your significant other now that you have the internet and phones to text on and social media. For my relationship, it has affected it for the better because that’s how her and I really first started talking.” It is certainly possible for people to find each other through the use of social media and end up happy in a relationship. While that is not always the case it is possible.

While technology allows for seemingly more communication, it seems that in today’s society, a lot of relationships lack proper communication. This is due to the miscommunication that comes with the use of technology and many forms of social media; people are talking to a screen as opposed to a face. It is important to be aware of these negative effects when working towards a relationship or even working through a relationship that already exists. As Sophomore Jewlia Garcia put it,

“It’s a double-edged sword that can really create a toxic relationship.”