There is no question that Rob and Kristen are one of the most coveted celebrity couples in the world. The young Hollywood stars have been seen at many glamorous events over the years, enjoying a glamorous lifestyle that many fans would love to emulate. Most recently, the couple were seen at the 2013 Golden Globes enjoying a sophisticated night out. The question is: do their famous “fingers” actually work? We decided to find out by diving into the scientific literature to see if there is really any truth to the rumors surrounding the magical pair.
The Results
Our investigation led us to two widely regarded studies. The first is an online survey conducted by the New York State Psychiatric Institute and Cornell University. The goal of this study was to assess the relationship between intimacy and satisfaction and various types of media usage, specifically Facebook and Twitter.
The results of this study were rather interesting. It seems that Twitter users reported the highest levels of intimate satisfaction (50% more so than those who only used Facebook), while Facebook users experienced the lowest levels of intimacy (13% less than those who only used Twitter). Intimacy, in this case, was defined as the degree to which one feels accepted and comfortable in their interactions with others.
One interpretation of these results could be that tweeps are more open with their opinions than those on Facebook, resulting in higher levels of intimacy. Another possible explanation may be that individuals use these social media platforms for different reasons. Some may use Facebook to keep close friends and family updated on what is happening in their lives, while others may use Twitter to broadcast their thoughts and opinions to the world.
Why Does Twitter Help Intimacy?
There are several possible reasons why Twitter could help to improve intimacy. For example, Twitter users can follow the thoughts and opinions of others, enabling them to learn about what is going on in the world and in their peers’ minds. This feature allows them to connect with others, both online and offline, resulting in higher levels of intimacy. Another way that Twitter could contribute to increased levels of intimacy is by allowing users to seek advice and support from their followers.
On the other hand, Facebook users can share their everyday experiences, photos, and events with others, keeping them close to the ‘everyday’ lives of its users. This can result in lower levels of intimacy, since individuals have to depend on the input and opinions of others (including their friends) in order to have an idea of what is going on in the world.
The Effect Of Instagram On Intimacy
Instagram isn’t completely devoid of intimacy-boosting properties. In fact, using this application could result in higher levels of intimacy. As with Twitter, Instagram users can follow the thoughts and opinions of others, learning about what is happening in the world and in their peers’ lives. As a result, they may feel less alone in the world, contributing to higher levels of intimacy.
Instagram users can also broadcast their everyday experiences to the world, documenting and highlighting their daily interactions. In addition, the application rewards users with ‘likes’ for providing valuable content, encouraging them to engage with their audience and enjoy the positive feedback.
However, this positive feedback can encourage excessive use, just like with social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook. It is possible that with enough encouragement, anyone could develop an unhealthy obsession with Instagram, and experience psychological effects as a result. It is also possible that this could lead to lower levels of intimacy, especially if this content is rather self-centered or unrealistic.
Higher Education Reduces The Need For Intimacy
Higher education enriches our lives, enabling us to gain new perspectives and opportunities. While this may be true, it also means that individuals have to spend more time learning and adapting, increasing the need for intimacy. It is possible that students, especially those in a social sciences program, rely on their studies and assignments to form meaningful connections with others, resulting in higher levels of intimacy.
Students who complete higher degrees in the social sciences may be more accustomed to spending time alone and in their studies, having less need for social interaction. This could explain the high correlation (60%) between social science education and lower levels of intimacy, compared to other degrees (ranging from 14% to 39%).
Is There A Link Between Height And Intimacy?
One of the more bizarre and, at the same time, interesting correlations from the above study was the link between height and intimacy. Taller individuals reported lower levels of intimacy, regardless of the type of media they used (i.e., Facebook or Twitter).
This could be due to many factors. For example, in most cultures, men are typically viewed as being more dominant and physically attractive than women. It is possible that men with high status have low levels of intimacy, as a result of their ‘gender role’.
In addition, it has been noted that shorter people are more communal in nature, while taller individuals prefer to be more independent. Since Facebook and Twitter are, generally speaking, communal platforms, shorter users may find them less appealing than their counterparts.
The Effect Of Media Use On Children’s Well-being
Parents have a heavy responsibility for the psychological and social well-being of their children. One way that they can promote their children’s well-being is by reducing their exposure to media, especially social media platforms. This is especially important for younger children, since exposure to adult content on social media can influence their behavior and increase their risk of contracting certain illnesses. It is also essential that parents teach their children how to behave and treat others respectfully, recognizing that technology can exacerbate certain issues (such as cyberbullying and addiction).
Parents have a tough job, trying to strike a balance between their children’s needs and wants. However, by taking the time to learn how to properly utilize social media, parents can increase their children’s chances of developing healthy, happy relationships. This ultimately leads to higher levels of academic achievement and personal satisfaction, contributing to a more enjoyable life.