When social media becomes a measure of love
Social networks are increasingly showing a lot of content about couples being given expensive gifts by their lovers, taken on luxurious trips or cared for in a way that is considered perfect. However, behind those shimmering images, many young people admit that they are under pressure when unconsciously comparing their relationships.
Mr. Nguyen Quang Anh (Hanoi) confided that recently, he often had arguments with his girlfriend because of love content appearing on social networks.
My girlfriend often sends videos of her boyfriend buying a car, buying a phone, a handbag or giving branded goods to her lover. Initially, it was just for fun, but gradually, my girlfriend started asking why I couldn't do that," Quang Anh shared.
According to Mr. Quang Anh, his current income is only enough to cover living expenses and partly to save, so his girlfriend's demands exceed his financial capacity, sometimes making him feel pressured.
Many times I feel like I am being judged by the value of the gift rather than the daily care and love. That makes both of us often stressed," Quang Anh said sadly.
Meanwhile, Ms. Hoang Thu Ha (24 years old, Hai Phong) said that her boyfriend often compares her to perfect girls appearing on social networks.
He often says that other people's lovers are always gentle, caring, know how to take care of their boyfriends, know how to create surprises and dress beautifully. There are times when I don't know what to do to please him," Ms. Ha shared.
Be careful with idealizing love on social media
Talking to reporters, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Manh Ha - psychologist, Faculty of Educational Science and Technology, Hanoi University of Science and Technology - said that couples sharing and expressing happiness on social networks is a normal need.
''However, when focusing too much on showing or performing love, many people may fall into the vortex of seeking recognition from the online community'', Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Manh Ha said.
That is a fairly common paradox today. Happiness is sometimes created for others to see more than for those involved to feel," Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Manh Ha said.
Experts also emphasize that frequent exposure to love images on social networks can change the way young people perceive relationships.
Many young people have formed a big expectation that love must always be sweet, romantic, receive gifts often or have perfect moments like online. While in reality, any relationship has differences, conflicts and difficult periods that need to be overcome together," Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Manh Ha analyzed.
According to experts, constantly comparing your love life with perfect and flashy images on social media can lead to feelings of disappointment, lack of satisfaction, or doubt of the value of the current relationship.
More dangerously, some people may lose faith in real love because they believe that they do not have perfect things like others. In fact, most of what appears on social networks is just the most beautiful slice of a relationship and does not reflect their entire life or love," the expert said.
Finally, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Manh Ha said that instead of chasing after love models built on social networks, young people need to focus on building understanding, respect and companionship in real life.
