Navigating Unrealistic Expectations of Relationships on Instagram

Abstract

This study looks at how Instagram users' relationships are affected and whether they thinktheir relationships are improving or deteriorating. In today's globalized society, social networking services (SNS) greatly influence how people interact and form connections. Instagram is a tool that couples use to strengthen their romantic relationships and reduce uncertainty when they are first dating. On the other hand, overusing the app can result in problems like jealousy, profile monitoring, poor communication, and time wastage. Feelings of outside influence can give rise to jealousy in relationships, which can cause bad emotions and a decrease in the enjoyment of the partnership. Knapp's relational stage model sheds light on how relationships develop and end. Sustaining healthy connections requires concentrating on good interactions in virtual spaces. The majority of young peopleusing Instagram are between the ages of 18 and 29, reflecting a shift in the demographic. Users are in total control of the online personas they create, and this might affect their romantic relationships. In October 2023, research was carried out to investigate the use of Instagram in different relationship stages. The results indicated that jealousy was asignificant predictor of daily Instagram usage, the importance of promoting one's relationship on the platform, and the daily duration of Instagram usage. Keywords: Social Media, Online and Offline, Communication, Emotion, Insecurity.