While advancements in technology such as social media permits the user to communicate with more people through a digital form, it has had a negative impact on interpersonal relationships. Communication technologies, specifically cell phones, the Internet, and social networking sites, play an important part in people 's’ lives as tools for creating and sustaining interpersonal relationships (Hertlein and Ancheta 1). In terms of social networking, a survey done by Pew Research reports that 73% adults use social media and almost half use multiple sites. Additionally, the social media website Facebook claimed to have 1.3 billion users, which is more than double the population of the United States (Wagner 115). In addition to social media, the current cell phone trend is to promote a new, more technologically advanced cell phone several times a year. These things point to a rise in the use of social media and technology, but how is this related to interpersonal relationships? Trust issues, clarity, and lack of boundaries within interpersonal relationships are the main results of advances in …show more content…
Hertlein and Ancheta also argued that technology provides a unique opportunity for couples to stay connected. A study found that text messaging specifically provided a way for couples to remain in contact with one another during the day. In a later interview of the couples, it was reported that texting led to feelings of increased closeness and intimacy (Hertlein and Ancheta 2). For example, if someone is far away you can send text messages or video chat as a means of staying connected. This would be a much better alternative to letter writing and things done in the times before technology. Further research also suggests that “digital communication enhance relationship and the more one communicates with others using technology the more likely you are to communicate face to face” (Drago 14). This is also believable in the sense that someone may be socially awkward or has a fear of meeting new people, but meeting someone online first makes it more likely that they will eventually meet in person. In this scenario technology enhances interpersonal relationships that may have never existed without it. These are just a few examples of the benefits of technology. Technology has the ability to provide different ways for people to remain in contact with each other, and to introduce new ways of making friends. While