6. The Rise of Social Media: The Double-Edged Sword
The concept of social media actually began in 1978 with the Bulletin Board System (BBS) — a primitive online network where users could post messages via dial-up connections. It was clunky but revolutionary, setting the stage for today’s digital world. Fast forward to now: we live in an era where nearly every detail of our lives can be shared — from breakfast photos to breakups. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook have become digital diaries of our relationships and milestones. It’s beautiful, in a way — a global scrapbook of connection. But it also comes with a cost. We compare, we perform, we curate. Intimacy, once private, has become public by default. Love and friendship are often measured in likes and views instead of time and trust.
7. Mental Health and Emotional Awareness: From Silence to Strength
Perhaps the most positive evolution of all is in our understanding of mental health. In the 1970s, emotional struggles were stigmatized. Depression or anxiety was rarely discussed, often dismissed as weakness or ignored entirely. People suffered quietly, believing they had to “tough it out.” Today, the narrative has changed. Vulnerability is strength. Therapy is normalized, and emotional intelligence is seen as essential to healthy relationships. Couples are encouraged to communicate their needs, set boundaries, and seek help when things get difficult. Friendships, too, have grown more compassionate and understanding. This openness has made modern relationships more empathetic, intentional, and self-aware than ever before.
Then and Now: What We Can LearnContinue reading…
