Does Social Media Make Long Distance Relationships More Feasible?

It stands to reason that social media, instant messaging, and emails would all make it easier to communication with a long distance romantic partner.

Most people in the Western world use all these forms of digital communication in their daily life, so talking to a girlfriend or boyfriend via social media or email is perfectly normal.

Surprisingly, Digital Makes Little Difference

But according to a new research paper, completed by researchers at The University of Haifi (Israel) and the University of Western Ontario (Canada), the ever-increasing use of digital communication mediums has had little impact on distance relationships or the need for personal contact.

We found that geographic distance continues to matter in interpersonal contact in spite of heavy reliance on digital tools for connectivity – Gustavo S. Mesch, Department of Sociology, University of Haifa

While this new research study may not reveal anything groundbreaking, it is just one more indication that technology cannot act as a substitute for in-person communication, and that long distance relationships are still inferior to those where regular physical closeness is possible.

Derek Lamont

Derek Lamont, BSc, is an experienced dating coach and veteran pickup artist. In addition to helping men around the world attract women, he's also the author of an award-winning seduction system. Through his best-selling Online Pickup Secrets program, Derek has helped thousands of men from around the world use online dating and social media websites to find love and live “happily ever after”.