Completed for FILM 260 (Digital Media Studies), this flipbook explores the role that social media plays in a 21st century relationship and makes the argument that technology acts as a “third wheel”.

1. YOU, ME &
TECHNOLOGY
The 21st
Century Relationship
By Adam Grotsky
@agrotsky
Image via dmshafi

2. We are living in a technological universe
in which we are always connected.
Image via pni

3. To stay connected, you need to monitor an
abundance of websites, platforms and devices.
Image via Mathieu Simpson

4. This has changed the rules of dating and
romantic relationships.
Image via Daniel Y. Go

5. 1 in 4 Canadian’s will use Facebook
to make the first move.
Image via martastarbucks

6. Even after a
great first date,
almost all of
Canadian’s will
text instead of
calling.

7. 45% of
Canadians
said texting
makes them
braver…
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8. 41% said it makes them flirtier.
Image via garryknight

9. But have we sacrificed
conversation for connection?
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10. A recent study
found that
during important
conversations
between
couples, there is
less trust when
there’s a cell
phone in the
room.
Image via 246-You

11. But it is never okay to be...
Image via las - initially
Unavailable

12. So where do we draw the line between the
public and private?
Image via Jason A. Samfield

13. This is a problem in an age where social
media sites want to know everything about
your relationships.
Image via saaam

14. “a new tier in the relational hierarchy”
– Jesse Fox
Becoming Facebook Official has created…
Image via Adrian Serghie

15. Putting your partner in your profile picture and writing
“I miss you” statuses are considered mandatory.
Image via Anne Marthe Widvey

16. Studies show that people who display their
relationship on Facebook are generally
more committed to one another.
Image via DonaldOgg

17. But this creates issues when
a couple is going through a break-up.
Image via peterm2000

18. rejection can be done via text, email,
Facebook, Twitter, etc.
Rather than just waiting by the phone,
Image via Jonathan Caves

19. Couples feel more pressure from friends
and family to stay together when they
have their partner in their profile pictures
or relationship statuses.
Image via LJR.MIKE

20. People who remain connected online are
more likely to be stuck in a past relationship.
Image via share your wisdom

21. Relationships
become
“shaped
by [their]
actual and
perceived
audience.”
-Jesse Fox
Image via Sri Lankan Photos

22. Therefore, technology has become the
“third wheel” of a 21st
century relationship.
Image via pni

23. Sources
http://www.buzzfeed.com/atmccann/how-facebook-ruined-dating-and-breaking-up-too
http://www.psmag.com/blogs/news-blog/i-now-pronounce-you-fbo-facebook-official-51307/
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304708604577502672286303452.html
http://esciencenews.com/articles/2013/01/20/from.bullying.relationships.mapping.our.online.communication
s
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/22/opinion/sunday/the-flight-from-conversation.html?
pagewanted=all&_r=0
http://www.andpop.com/2013/04/22/the-life-of-a-21st-century-relationship-according-to-social-media/
http://www.myfoxny.com/story/22240625/technology-and-dating
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2319330/Helen-Fielding-Facebook-Twitter-dating-harder-says-
Bridget-Jones-author.html
http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/andrew-bridge/mobile-dating-apps_b_3280140.html
Image via pni

24. All images are licensed under the Creative
Commons Non-Commercial Share-Alike 3.0
agreement, and sourced from Flickr.
Image via AliTweel