Abstract

The rapid growth of digital communication technologies and social networking platforms has significantly transformed the nature of interpersonal relationships in contemporary society. Young adults increasingly rely on online communication systems such as Meta Platforms Facebook Instagram WhatsApp ByteDance TikTok online gaming communities and virtual interaction platforms for emotional connection friendship formation romantic engagement and social participation. Virtual relationships have become central aspects of modern social life particularly among digitally active youth populations. While online relationships provide accessibility emotional support and communication convenience they also raise significant psychological concerns regarding emotional dependency loneliness anxiety self-esteem identity formation and mental well-being among young adults.