The Effects of Social Media on Relationships | Mayurakshi Ghosal | TEDxYouth@DAA

Summary

The video script discusses the superficiality of social media-driven friendships, using the example of Snapchat streaks and Instagram posts. It highlights the loss of a close friendship due to reliance on digital interactions over genuine connection. The speaker shares insights from research indicating that overuse of social media can undermine meaningful relationships. They propose practical tips to foster deeper connections, such as spending quality time without phones and engaging in shared activities, emphasizing the importance of face-to-face interactions for building true friendships.

Takeaways

• 📚 The speaker spent a summer in India without internet access, which led to the loss of contact with friends and Snapchat streaks.
• 📱 Snapchat streaks are a measure of daily communication between users, and losing them can signify the end of a friendship for some.
• 👥 The speaker's best friend had developed a new group of friends during the time they were apart, which affected their relationship.
• 💬 The speaker and their best friend's conversations were superficial, consisting mostly of sending black screens to maintain a streak.
• 📷 The realization that past hangouts were focused on taking pictures for social media rather than building a deeper connection.
• 🔍 Research indicates that many teenagers face similar issues with social media affecting the depth of their friendships.
• 📊 An article by Business Insider suggests that losing a Snapchat streak can equate to losing a friendship for some individuals.
• 🧐 A Virginia Tech University study highlights how the mere presence of mobile technology can detract from face-to-face interactions.
• 🤔 The speaker questions the value of texting and social media, suggesting that over-reliance can lead to superficial relationships.
• 💡 The script encourages reflection on what constitutes a meaningful relationship and the impact of social media on friendship quality.
• 🛑 The speaker offers practical advice on how to build more meaningful relationships, including spending time together without phones and engaging in shared activities.

Q & A

What was the main activity the narrator did during their summer in India?

The narrator spent the summer in India without internet access and had a great time with their cousins and grandparents.

What did the narrator lose contact with during their time in India?

The narrator lost contact with all their friends and lost all their Snapchat streaks.

What is a Snapchat streak and how does it work?

A Snapchat streak is a number that appears next to a person's name with whom you share a snap or image every 24 hours. The number increases with the days of continuous sharing, but if either party fails to send a snap within 24 hours, the streak is lost.

Why did the narrator's best friend seem to distance themselves after the summer?

The best friend distanced herself because they hadn't texted each other in two months, and she had developed closer relationships with others who she texted more frequently.

What did the narrator realize about their friendship with their best friend?

The narrator realized that their friendship was superficial, mainly consisting of sending black screens to maintain a streak, rather than having meaningful conversations.

What is the narrator's view on the role of social media in building friendships?

The narrator believes that social media can be a great way to keep in touch but over-dependence on it can lead to the building of superficial relationships rather than meaningful ones.

What research did the narrator find about the impact of social media on friendships?

The narrator found an article by Business Insider stating that streaks are seen as proof of friendship, and research from Virginia Tech University suggesting that the presence of mobile technologies can undermine the depth of face-to-face connections.

What chemical is released in our bodies when we text, and why is it addictive?

Dopamine, the pleasure chemical, is released when we text, which is the same chemical released when we fall in love, making texting addictive.

What are some examples of superficial relationships mentioned in the script?

Examples include valuing a 100-day streak over conversation, crying over lost streaks, and wanting to be friends with someone only because of their aesthetic Instagram photos.

What are some tips the narrator suggests to make friendships more meaningful?

Tips include forgetting the phone during hangouts, setting limited phone times, engaging in activities without phones, losing streaks for the sake of friendship, and getting to know friends beyond social media.

How can one determine if they have a meaningful bond with a friend according to the script?

One can determine a meaningful bond by asking if they spend time doing worthwhile activities, feel comfortable asking for help, talk frequently, have a higher level of closeness, and if face-to-face interaction is the main form of communication.