Does social media have an impact on the way we view Love and Lust?
In many cases, yes it does. As shown on many videos on TikTok or Instagram, there is that misconception between what real love looks like and what someone who only is looking for one thing does.
Sometimes we perceive lust as just a normal concept in a relationship with someone who feels physically attracted to you, engages in intimate interactions, and says sweet words. It can be as simple as sharing compliments or engaging in sexual touch, all viewed as normal and innocent in a relationship. But if those are one of the only things coming out of the relationship, is it even really love?
Love is a beautiful thing built on commitment and an emotional connection. It’s warm, it’s passionate, and it’s a form of slow-burnt devotion that you don’t just feel physically, but internally. It’s that feeling where you get butterflies in your stomach, where you remember and value little aspects of the person, where you are able to stand by them during the ups and downs. It includes being there when they pour their tears out, willing to sacrifice for their partner. Love is something where you’re able to be vulnerable, showing a gentler side to you without feeling judgement; allowing yourself to drop all defense walls and feel that safety, that content.
Lust is the opposite of that. It lacks that emotional connection that’s required–it’s more so based on sexual attraction, based on the way someone physically looks rather than wanting any real bond. It’s why love bombing is such a big and common thing seen on social media.
People, frequently men in my experience, will hit up a girl because they find she’s pretty. From then, they incorporate little things such as buying gifts, complimenting them, taking them out, texting them constantly; all ideal ways to make a girl interested. This continues until they finally find a chance to get intimate, or what the media refers to as “cracking,” and then they go ghost. They start distancing themselves–no gifts, no acts of care that was there previously, just because they got what they wanted from the start.
It’s sad, truly, because it makes people wary of the sort of intent someone has and whether or not they are able to be trusted. It makes people afraid of letting someone into their heart and allowing themselves to be vulnerable without thinking they just only have one thing on their mind.
I have experienced and seen many instances of misunderstanding the difference between those who love us and those who lust after us. Personally, I’ve recently noticed that I tend to view love as something that resembles lust, where physical touch is common in relationships. However, when intimacy becomes the sole focus and conversations only revolve around it, meaningful connections become another matter.
It’s hard to tell the difference between love and lust without knowing someone’s intentions. Anyone can tell you they like you, but do they truly like you for you? Or do they find you as just another pretty or handsome thing to toss aside?
