THE ROLE OF SOCIAL MEDIA IN FOSTERING SOCIAL CONNECTIONS AND RELATIONSHIPS. HOW DOES IT IMPACT THE QUALITY OF INTERPERSONAL INTERACTIONS AND SOCIAL SUPPORT?

Abstrak

This article explores the impact of social media on interpersonal relationships through personal experience and academic reflection. Drawing on autobiographical examples from adolescence, the paper illustrates how early digital communication platforms, particularly Odnoklassniki in 2009, shaped patterns of interaction among peers. A real-life case is presented to demonstrate the risks of online misrepresentation and the emotional consequences of virtual relationships built on false identities. The discussion engages with scholarly perspectives, including Edward Shih-Tse Wang’s view of social media as an efficient but psychologically influential networking tool and Nick Hajli’s argument regarding the limitations of trust and belief formation in computer-mediated communication. While social media expands opportunities for connection and reduces time and effort in maintaining relationships, this article argues that it may simultaneously weaken the depth and authenticity of interpersonal interaction. The analysis concludes that face-to-face communication remains essential for genuine understanding, as nonverbal cues such as tone, facial expression, and body language play a critical role in building strong and trustworthy relationships. Ultimately, social media is characterized as a powerful yet potentially addictive instrument whose benefits depend on responsible and critical use