People worldwide are increasingly using mobile phones to connect. A recent study showed that 97% of people in the United States own a cell phone, and 81% use their phones to send text messages.
With the rise of mobile communication, it’s no surprise that there has been a corresponding increase in the way people are using their phones to develop and maintain relationships. In particular, people use their phones to keep in touch with friends and family, connect with romantic partners, and even meet new people.
Texting has become the primary form of communication for many people, especially millennials. A study conducted by the Pew Research Center found that 63% of millennials say they text daily, compared to just 35% who say they talk on the phone every day.
It’s no surprise that relationships can bloom from digital channels. Here are some of the ways where it can happen.
Communication Apps for Loved Ones
The primary purpose of mobile phones is communication with loved ones. In the past, people found it challenging to stay in touch with a friend from a remote location, often resorting to sending snail mail that might take days to arrive at the receiver. Other times, they might visit their loved ones in person. The rise of digital communication allowed people to connect with loved ones, making social relationships easier to maintain.
There are several apps that people can use to stay in touch with loved ones. These apps include WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Snapchat, and WeChat. Each of these apps has unique features that allow users to communicate differently.
For example, WhatsApp allows users to make voice and video calls and send text messages. Facebook Messenger also offers voice and video calling, but it also has a feature that allows users to play games with each other. Snapchat is primarily for sending photos and videos, but it also offers a chat feature. WeChat is an all-in-one app that allows users to do everything from making calls and sending texts to hailing a taxi and paying their bills.
People use these apps to communicate with each other daily. A study conducted by the University of Southern California found that people who use communication apps have more close relationships than those who don’t use them.
Social Media Connections
Phones might help you communicate with loved ones, but it offers more than maintaining relationships. Some people use digital channels to form new friendships, and there is one massive platform that provides that opportunity: social media.
People can widen their circle of friends by befriending or following strangers or acquaintances on social media sites. Social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram allow users to connect with people they don’t know personally. They provide an opportunity for people to make new friends and connections.
Users need to be active on these platforms and engage with other users to take advantage of this. For example, they can like and comment on other people’s posts, join groups, and participate in discussions.
While social media can be a great way to make new friends, it’s important to remember that not all online relationships are positive. It’s essential to be careful about who you add as a friend or follow and be aware of the potential risks of meeting people online.
Digital Dating
The rise of mobile phones has also changed the way people date. People would go on dates at restaurants, movies, or bars in the past. Now, people are using dating apps to find potential partners.
Some popular dating apps include Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge. These apps allow users to swipe right or left on a person’s profile to indicate their interest. If both users swipe right on each other’s profiles, they are matched and can start chatting. There are also a few elite dating apps for people looking for more meaningful connections while ensuring that they do not endanger their wealth and assets to a potential stranger they match within the platform.
Dating apps have made it easier for people to meet new people. A study conducted by the Pew Research Center found that one in three adults who use the internet have used a dating app.
While dating apps make it easier to meet new people, it’s important to remember that not all relationships formed online are positive. It’s essential to be careful about who you match with and meet in person.
The Risks of Digital Relationships
While there are many benefits of using mobile phones to form and maintain relationships, there are also some risks.
For example, people might become addicted to their phones and spend too much time on them. People might also share too much information online, leading to identity theft or other problems. It’s essential to be careful about what you post on social media and to whom you give your information.
Cyberbullying is another risk of having digital relationships. People might say mean things to each other online or share embarrassing photos or videos. It can be hurtful and can lead to problems in real-life relationships.
Fortunately, people can rely on experience and guidance to flesh out the risks of forming relationships on digital channels. Once you know what could be harmful to you, you’ll realize what a helpful tool the mobile phone and communication apps are for your social life.
