From Posts to Prose: The Influence of Social Media and Romantic Fiction on Relationship Expectations Among High School Students
Document Types
Paper Presentation
School Name
Stonyhurst Southville International School
Track or Strand
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
Research Advisor (Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial)
Hernandez, Caroline, V.
Start Date
25-6-2025 10:30 AM
End Date
25-6-2025 12:00 PM
Zoom Link/ Room Assignment
Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/93354901415?pwd=TJIXX1qaCpKkpdzgAB5viRCb0URF9d.1 Passcode: GHI25
Abstract/Executive Summary
This study explores the influence of social media and romantic fiction on the expectations of real-life romantic relationships among high school students. As media becomes increasingly embedded in adolescent lives, understanding its role in shaping relationship ideals is crucial. The study aimed to determine students' consumption habits of social media and romantic fiction and whether these habits significantly affect their perceptions of real-life romance. A descriptive-correlational and comparative design was used with a randomly selected sample of 125 high school students. A survey instrument, adapted from validated scales, measured consumption patterns and relationship expectations. Statistical analysis revealed that while age did not significantly affect social media use, gender did. Additionally, both age and gender influenced romantic fiction consumption. There was no significant correlation between social media use and romantic expectations, but a significant relationship was found between romantic fiction consumption and higher romantic expectations. These findings suggest that romantic fiction has a more profound impact on adolescents’ ideals than social media. This study contributes to the discourse on youth development, emphasizing the need for media literacy education and awareness of how fictional narratives shape real-world beliefs.
Keywords
social media; romantic fiction; teenagers; relationship expectations; media influence
Research Theme (for Paper Presentation and Poster Presentation submissions only)
Media and Philippine Studies (MPS)
Initial Consent for Publication
yes
Statement of Originality
yes
From Posts to Prose: The Influence of Social Media and Romantic Fiction on Relationship Expectations Among High School Students
This study explores the influence of social media and romantic fiction on the expectations of real-life romantic relationships among high school students. As media becomes increasingly embedded in adolescent lives, understanding its role in shaping relationship ideals is crucial. The study aimed to determine students' consumption habits of social media and romantic fiction and whether these habits significantly affect their perceptions of real-life romance. A descriptive-correlational and comparative design was used with a randomly selected sample of 125 high school students. A survey instrument, adapted from validated scales, measured consumption patterns and relationship expectations. Statistical analysis revealed that while age did not significantly affect social media use, gender did. Additionally, both age and gender influenced romantic fiction consumption. There was no significant correlation between social media use and romantic expectations, but a significant relationship was found between romantic fiction consumption and higher romantic expectations. These findings suggest that romantic fiction has a more profound impact on adolescents’ ideals than social media. This study contributes to the discourse on youth development, emphasizing the need for media literacy education and awareness of how fictional narratives shape real-world beliefs.
https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/conf_shsrescon/2025/paper_mps/4
