Mediaboss Marketing

Recently, I raised some positive and negative aspects of social networking when it comes to our mental health. Today, we revisit the merits of social networking through a slightly different lens.

Ronald, an up-and-coming entrepreneur, has boasted about his female partner, Carmelita, for months during meetings with his associates. At a recent monthly meeting, one of Ronalds associates inquired as to when they could meet her, and Ronald suggested they Skype in a conversation with his smartphone. After some discussion, it was discovered that Carmelita lived in South America and had never actually met Ronald in person. The strange thing was, the two seemed inseparable in mind and heart.

Meanwhile, Cassie and Doug have been dating for several months, The high school sweethearts enjoyed each others company and attended high school basketball games together. Cassies parents recently apprehended her cellphone as a punishment and to help her focus on preparing for her ACT exams. During this time, Doug texted Cassie and let her know he was going to break up with her because he felt she was not available to him. Cassie discovered this sobering detail when she arrived at the school game only to find Doug with another female classmate. Cassie was distraught and disturbed that Doug didnt share this information in person.

These stories, though a bit fictional, are not far from the reality of what counselors are experiencing today with clients. People are becoming increasingly emotionally involved with others through social networking sites, but some of the true emotionally intimate benefits of the human interaction is not found through these relationships. Social networking is also used as an escape from engaging in some of the difficult conversations people need to have day to day.

Social media expert Mary Garrison recently shared in a local workshop ethical dilemmas that are arising for counselors who are advising people affected by social media relationships. Online dating has led to an explosion of relationships where people share the intimacies of their minds and hearts. Unfortunately, these relationships may not always be honest. People also resort to using text or email messages to avoid conflict. This can also be damaging because it does not allow the receiving party the opportunity to respond or receive meaningful feedback -- both essential for personal growth. Without these core elements, one may experience distress, which can lead to more serious psychological pain.

Social media has become an important venue for improving social communication between people. However, we must be mindful of the impact these changes in communication patterns may have on us all.

ELAINE T. JURKOWSKI is a professor and interim director at the School of Social Work at SIU Carbondale. She is also a member of the Jackson County Behavioral Health Action Team.

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Social media Is it helpful or hazardous to your mental health: Part II