The Psychology of Social Networking

Relationships and intimacy are important during adulthood, especially during young adulthood. Happiness at this developmental stage often come from relationships that are formed. Even young adults who are not looking to form long-term or lasting relationships typically still focus on connections with others.

Happiness usually is derived from feelings of independence, competence, self-esteem, or relating well to other people (Sheldon et al., 2001). One aspect of adulthood that still remains the same, despite generational changes, is the development and maintenance of relationships. Erik Erikson spoke of young adulthood as the “Intimacy-Versus-Isolation Stage.” During this period, the focus is on developing close, intimate relationships with others. Most people are driven toward forming and preserving relationships that allow them to experience of sense of belonging with others (Manstead, 1997; Rice, 1999).

Often, particular people end up friends because of simple proximity. People who are in close proximity can get the rewards of friendship (companionship, social approval, and the occasional helping hand) without much cost. For young adults entering the college years, intimacy-versus-isolation is a very real concern. College students are unique in that their first year of school can cause a cluster of psychological symptoms including loneliness, anxiety, and depression. However, being in close proximity to other students and developing and maintaining intimacy with others can lead to improvement of these symptoms. Technological advancements in the world today has made proximity a relative term. Cell phones, email, and social networking sites allowing young adults to maintain relationships from their past, while forming new relati...

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