The use of social media sites is changing the ways of our overall relationships. While using them is beneficial, it also has adverse effects. There are numerous studies and research which show that social media use can affect our relationships with others negatively.

According to a survey study, 205 Facebook users who use the platform too much indicated that they had adverse relationship outcomes. Those relationships encountered Facebook-related disagreements. Moreover, research has shown that increased Facebook use has also been linked to heightened feelings of jealousy.

Another research in 2012 by Tara C. Marshall showed that continued exposure to an ex's profile after a breakup might prevent one from moving on and healing. Checking up on an ex’s profile, also known as "Facebook stalking," led to more sadness, more negative feelings, and less personal betterment.

These studies clearly show that social media affects not only our current relationships but also our potential relationships. However, decreasing its use is a challenge, as we use it mostly for our daily communication. 

If we want to continue using social media, but want to maintain healthy relationships and avoid negative implications, here are some suggested steps to make our online use a safer environment.

1. Unfollow or unfriend your exes on social media sites.

It is impossible to get over a person after a breakup (especially if it's new) if you regularly see pictures of them. Temporarily removing them from your social media feed will help you lead a better life. 

In the previous study mentioned,  it showed that Facebook might expose someone to jealousy-provoking information about their partner, potentially creating a feedback loop of jealousy that leads to an increased lookout on a partner’s Facebook profile. To break this cycle, remove yourself from social media as much as possible.

2. Be mindful of your online presence.

While breakups can be painful and hard, it is essential not to share personal problems over the Internet. Anything you post gets public (even if you delete it immediately). If you need emotional support, it is better to approach your family, friends, or a professional. Do not ask for an advice or rant about past problems on your social media platforms. 

Oversharing affects our real-life relationships. A study with 508 Facebook users indicated that sharing too many selfies can make relationships less intimate. The authors suggest that avoiding oversharing and maintaining a bit of privacy are necessary to prevent alienating people through your online behavior.

3. Avoid #humblebragging and creating FOMO.

Concerning the previous point, oversharing affects not only our romantic relationships but our general relationships. Posting too much, especially material things and high achievements, can potentially cause envy, low self-esteem, or worse, depression. This happens when we feel inferior and jealous because of seeing other people's "perfect life" curated in our social media feeds. 

Fear Of Missing Out (FOMO) is a term for social anxiety that an exciting event may currently be happening elsewhere caused by posts seen on social media. Avoid this FOMO by reducing your time online. Meanwhile, do your part as well to prevent making others feel the fear of missing out by avoiding oversharing. 

4. Live your life outside social media.

There is a saying, "Live in the moment. Leave your phone." Indeed, focus less on creating perfect and filtered posts. Instead, enjoy the time you spend with people in real-time in the real world. Besides, it is disrespectful to glue our eyes on our phones while we are with a company. Talk to each other like there's no Wifi and signal. 

5. Do a digital detox by spending less time on social media.

Those who did not use their Facebook for a week reported more life satisfaction, according to a Danish study by the Happiness Research Institute. Hence, it shows the importance of cutting back on your social media usage.

Therefore, using social media can have positive and negative effects. Be conscious when you use it, and remember to avoid using it too much.