Impact of Social Media & Romantic Dramas on Relationship Expectations

1. Definition

Social media and romantic dramas influence how individuals perceive love and relationships. They often present idealized, exaggerated, and curated portrayals of romance, which can create unrealistic expectations. These expectations can affect adolescents, youth, and adults by shaping how they evaluate their own relationships and partner behavior.

Key Points:

• Social media shows curated “perfect” couple moments.

• Romantic dramas exaggerate romance, conflict, and resolution.

• Can affect emotional, cognitive, and behavioral aspects of relationships.

2. Causes / Contributing Factors

1. Curated Social Media Content

• Highlight reels of couples showing constant affection or luxury lifestyles.

• Creates pressure to replicate “ideal” relationship moments.

2. Romantic Dramas & Movies

• Exaggerated conflicts resolved quickly.

• Intense passion, jealousy, and dramatic gestures portrayed as normal.

3. Comparison & Self-Expectation

• Measuring one’s relationship against online or fictional examples.

• Expecting partners to be perfect, attentive, or constantly romantic.

4. Youth & Emotional Vulnerability

• Adolescents and young adults often lack emotional regulation and communication experience.

• High susceptibility to influence from peers, media, and trends.

3. Signs & Symptoms of Media-Influenced Unrealistic Expectations

Emotional:

• Frequent disappointment or dissatisfaction with partner.

• Anxiety or jealousy triggered by minor conflicts or social media posts.

Behavioral:

• Constant checking of partner’s social media activity.

• Overreacting to small disagreements or delays in communication.

Cognitive:

• Comparing your relationship to others’ posts or fictional couples.

• Negative self-talk: “My partner doesn’t love me enough,” “Our relationship is boring.”

Relationship Impact:

• Conflict escalation over minor issues.

• Decreased relationship satisfaction and intimacy.

• Fear of commitment or avoidance of real-life relationships.

4. Healthy vs. Unhealthy Relationship Expectations

Healthy Expectations:

• Accepting partner’s flaws and limitations.

• Maintaining personal boundaries and individuality.

• Communicating openly and respectfully.

• Understanding that conflicts are normal and growth takes time.

• Supporting each other while balancing independence.

Unhealthy / Unrealistic Expectations:

• Expecting perfection or constant romance.

• Overdependence on partner for emotional fulfillment.

• Comparing relationship constantly with others or media portrayals.

• Controlling or jealous behaviors due to insecurity.

• Expecting instant resolution or dramatic gestures for conflict.

5. Dos & Don’ts

✅ Dos:

• Discuss realistic expectations with your partner.

• Focus on mutual respect, understanding, and shared growth.

• Limit exposure to unrealistic social media content.

• Engage in activities together and individually to maintain balance.

• Seek guidance or counselling if conflicts or dissatisfaction persist.

❌ Don’ts:

• Compare your relationship to movies, dramas, or online couples.

• Expect your partner to fulfill all emotional needs or act perfectly.

• Ignore communication issues or try to suppress negative feelings.

• Let jealousy or social media pressure dictate behavior.

• Avoid conflict resolution thinking romance should always be effortless.

6. Intervention & Awareness Strategies

• Psychoeducation: Teach adolescents and youth about realistic relationship dynamics.

• Counselling & Therapy: For individuals struggling with anxiety, jealousy, or dissatisfaction.

• Media Literacy Programs: Encourage critical thinking about social media and romantic content.

• Communication Skills Training: Improve conflict resolution and assertiveness.

• Parental / Institutional Support: Guide youth in balancing media consumption and real-life interactions.

Summary:

Social media and romantic dramas can distort perceptions of love, creating unrealistic expectations that lead to conflict and dissatisfaction. Recognizing the difference between healthy and unhealthy expectations, fostering open communication, and limiting exposure to idealized content can help individuals build strong, realistic, and satisfying relationships.