Today, smartphones and social media go hand-in-hand. A big majority of people use their mobile phones to access their social media, to share moments and thoughts, and to “converse” and make “personal bonds” with friends online.
The use of social media, however, can ruin personal relationships, and smartphones may be to blame.
Relationship expert Aileen Santos said social media have existed for many years. However, it gained more popularity since the introduction of smartphones. Social media then became accessible any time, any place.
“It’s not social media kasi dati may social media na pero pupunta ka pa sa laptop mo para makipag-usap,” Santos told DZMM.
“Ang disadvantage talaga noon is the fact na [the smartphone is] with you 24/7. Our phones are so mobile it’s with us 24/7 kaya ang effect is 24/7,” she added
Santos cited situations where friends or relatives get together but they do not talk to each other as they are more focused on using their smartphones.
Santos gave some tips to avoid these instances:
– Set rules on smartphone use during gatherings
– Parents must avoid using social media as distraction for kids to behave
– Only use social media, and smartphones, as earned privileges for a person to develop self-discipline
– Parents should also educate themselves on proper smartphone and social media use
