（开头段）In the digital age, social media has become an indispensable part of modern life. While it connects people across continents and facilitates instant communication, its impact on human relationships remains a topic of intense debate. This essay will analyze both the positive and negative effects of social media on interpersonal interactions, supported by statistical evidence and real-life examples.

（主体段1）The most significant benefit of social media is its ability to bridge geographical divides. A 2023 Pew Research study revealed that 78% of teenagers maintain regular contact with friends living thousands of miles away through platforms like Instagram and WhatsApp. This constant connectivity has particularly helped individuals separated by natural disasters or political conflicts. For instance, during the 2020 COVID-19 lockdowns, virtual meetups became lifelines for isolated families, with video calls preventing emotional detachment in 63% of surveyed households. Such technological advancements have essentially redefined the concept of "social presence" by creating digital spaces where relationships can thrive despite physical limitations.

（主体段2）However, the same features that enable connection often lead to relationship erosion. A Stanford University analysis of 1.5 million social media interactions showed that users spent 28% less face-to-face time with immediate family members when compared to pre-2010 levels. The phenomenon known as "phubbing" (phone snubbing) has become widespread, with 49% of married couples admitting to checking their smartphones during romantic dinners. More alarmingly, cyberbullying statistics indicate that 34% of adolescents have experienced relationship damage through online harassment, with 72% of cases involving public shaming on TikTok or Twitter. These negative trends suggest that digital interaction might be gradually replacing genuine emotional engagement.

（主体段3）Striking a balance requires intentional digital literacy education. Finland's digital citizenship curriculum, implemented in 2018, demonstrates successful strategies. By teaching middle school students to identify red flags in online relationships and practice digital boundary-setting, the program reduced cyberbullying incidents by 41% within three years. Parallel efforts in China's "Green Internet" initiative have achieved similar results through age-appropriate usage guidelines and family tech contracts. These examples prove that proactive measures can mitigate social media's downsides while preserving its benefits. Ultimately, the key lies in cultivating self-regulation skills rather than complete avoidance.

（结论段）In conclusion, social media represents a double-edged sword in interpersonal relationships. While it enables unprecedented connection and support networks, unchecked usage risks emotional detachment and psychological harm. The solution emerges not from rejecting technology but from adopting balanced approaches that combine education, family involvement, and personal responsibility. As digital platforms continue evolving, maintaining authentic human connections will depend on our ability to harness technology's potential while preserving our capacity for empathy and presence. Only through such conscious integration can we ensure that social media serves as a tool for connection rather than a barrier to genuine human interaction.