As if having to deal with the everyday complications of a relationship isn’t enough, young adults now have networking sites such as Facebook and MySpace to thank for the additional problems in their relationships. Of course no one is likely to admit that Facebook is the cause for the late night arguments, frustrated weekend interrogations and ultimately the cause for their break up. But the truth is: we have all been there.
Most of us have gone to our significant other’s page upset, wondering who sent that private gift, wrote that flirtatious picture comment, or that mountain of wall comments.
Of course, you try to calm down before attacking your partner with a million questions. But before you do, you do a wall-to-wall search, and full profile check to make sure you have enough legit information. This way, you do not look like an overreacting psychopath.
Problem is, after doing all of your investigative work, you confront your partner with the information and the reply is simply: “I cannot control what other people write or do on the Internet.”
This is true; they cannot control the stalker-like wall comments, the obscene picture comments or the list of other frustrating things people feel the urge to do on the Internet. However, what they can control is the relationship they have with the other person. Ultimately, it is their responsibility to explain to the person that they are in a relationship.
Of course, there will always be a handful of ignorant people who couldn’t care less that you are in a relationship. With those individuals, the only thing to do is to erase the comment, wall post, or gift. Sounds simple right?
Wrong. Facebook is the new way of communication. We have all told someone: “Facebook me.” It has become addictive for others, and entertaining for the rest.
The harm comes when people take things further than they should. Single networkers, if you know or even think someone is in a relationship, despite what their status may say, leave them alone. Ignore the lies and continue on with your life. Attached individuals should avoid the entire situation. Refrain from poking and messaging back. Despite what you might have in mind, you cannot control the thoughts of other individuals.
Can networking sites really ruin one’s relationship or are we giving the Internet a bit too much credit? Jonathan Lee, a senior majoring in electrical engineering, said, “Facebook can stir up trouble in a relationship, only if the couple doesn’t have clear lines of communication.”
Unhealthy relationships have no chance in the world of electronics. Sophomore Lacy Artis agreed by saying, “I’ve had relationship trouble due to MySpace, but after talking about it with my boyfriend, things were clear, and it wasn’t anything serious to begin with.”
The bottom line is: networking sites are great ways to keep in contact with people. They save you daytime minutes, text messages, and unwanted in-person conversations. Although they have caused ruckus and drama in some relationships, they have put an end to others that were way overdue. One thing is for sure, if someone can come and ruin your relationship via the Internet, it was not a happy relationship to begin with.