Are you single? In a happy relationship? Perhaps you’re in a confusing “situationship”? No matter what your relationship status is, read on. In this current age of technology, the internet has an undeniable influence on our generation’s perception of love. However, amid the ocean of relationship advice and anecdotes on social media, it’s crucial to acknowledge the harmful consequences of the unrealistic expectations set by these influencers.

Navigating through romantic relationships as a teenager is a personal journey that should be taken with an individual pace and method. Yet, the rise of social media, especially short-form video content like TikToks or Instagram Reels, can foster content that may mislead students with unrealistic expectations for their love life. Many videos often offer quick judgments about “red flags” in a relationship or try to normalize certain relationship dynamics. While they may seem like harmless sources of entertainment on the surface, this type of content gives an overgeneralized view of complex human connections. Over time, exposure to such content may prompt students to make misguided decisions in their own lives, continuing a culture that interferes with students’ abilities to have more nuanced perceptions about the people around them.

In a competitive environment like LHS, the desire to meet unrealistic expectations is all around us. Everyone is striving to be the best, even in their social lives. Students may find themselves being pressured into circumstances they aren’t ready for; this can be said about both academics and romantic relationships. The portrayal of high school relationships on social media may trigger a sense of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) among students, where LHS students may make impulsive decisions about their romantic life due to the pressure of potentially missing an opportunity. 

Personally, I find that the normalization of certain high school dating standards has been subconsciously engraved into my mind through social media. I realized that while dating in high school should not be discouraged, it’s important to understand that there is absolutely no pressure to have any romantic interactions during high school. Just because you see many examples of happy relationships around you does not mean you are doing worse socially. Even if you’re already in a relationship, it’s important to recognize that each relationship functions differently, and it’s ultimately futile to compare your relationship with others. After all, true fulfillment in any healthy relationship stems not from conforming to external expectations but embracing ourselves and our needs.