Hugh: 47% of New Relationships Now Start With a DM on Social Media

How did you and your sweetie meet? If you’re like a lot of modern couples, it might have started with a private message on social media. According to a recent survey, 47% of new relationships begin because one person decided to slide into the other’s DMs. There’s also a good chance that the initial flirting stage began on social media, with 55% of men believing that sending likes is an effective tactic to gain someone’s attention.

While social media can be used effectively for love, it can also work against a relationship. 72% of adults say social media has been a cause of conflict in either a current or past relationship, and half of respondents say they’ve fought with a partner about still having an ex’s photos visible on their page. The same study also found that the best way to navigate social media conflict with a partner is to communicate your concerns, set boundaries, and leave past behaviour behind.