Each person has his or her own attachment style, and many people’s attachment style can be shown through their social media. There are two factors that can show a person’s attachment style on social media, and that is “tie strength… how close the ties in your network are” and “multiplexity… how many roles are filled or functions are served by network members” (Brendan Lynch). Those who display dissolving ties have an avoidant or dismissive attachment style, while those who are on the receiving end of getting dissolved have an anxious or preoccupied attachment style (Brendan Lynch). These two styles of attachment have different reactions to technology but have the same end result of dependency on technology.

​

            Preoccupied attachment style follows the fear in people leaving, and this directly shows in their attachment to technology and social media. They are likely to “constantly need reassurance from their social media presence” (Linda Cundy). These people experience separation anxiety and have a need to feel connected. They fear that others will leave them and having technology and social media allows for these people to stay in the known and receive attention. People experiencing preoccupied attachment have a need to be “constantly connected; yet disconnected for the people who are actually in the room with them” (Linda Cundy). They do not understand the concept of personal interaction, and would rather live through the technology and image they have created.

​

            Dismissive attachment style follows the patterns of independence and having no close relations, and through their social media they can have relationships that have little value and they can also partake in computer games, which allow them to stay “in a virtual reality rather than relating in reality” (Linda Cundy). These kind of people prefer to disconnect with the social environment and be able to create their space. This attachment can actually cause problems because the lack of interaction in real life can start to become less and less the more they use social media.

​

         While social media can often be portrayed in a negative context, for those with secure attachment, it can have “beneficial outcomes” (Brendan Lynch). Thus, depending on an individual’s attachment style social media can be a healthy way to connect with others, or it can be an unhealthy way to express the lack of intimate connections in someone's life. 

 

References

​

Cundy, Linda. “How Does Technology Affect Relationships and Attachment.” Brighton Therapy Partnership, Brighton Therapy                            Partnership, 9 Mar. 2017

​

Lynch, Brendan. “Psychologists Say Our 'Attachment Style' Applies to Social Networks like Facebook.” The University of Kansas, The                  University of Kansas, 24 July 2017.