Valentine’s Day at Spring Valley High School is changing, with social media becoming a big part of how students express love, friendship, and even breakups. What used to be handwritten notes and small gestures is now mainly online.

Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat have become the top social media apps for public displays of affection. People share videos, post messages, and use captions to celebrate their relationships. Proposals and social media shoutouts have become normal, making Valentine’s Day just as much about online attention as real-life connection.

“If you don’t post about your Valentine, people start wondering if something’s wrong,” junior Ahlam Ali said. “It’s like social media is proof of how much you care.”

But while social media makes celebrations bigger, it also adds pressure. Many students feel like they need to make their posts as big as possible, leading to comparing themself and insecurity.”

Some students feel that online romance can seem fake.

“It sometimes feels like we’re doing it for the likes, not for each other,” said sophomore Aliza Phommasak. “People measure their relationships by how many views and comments they get.”

Social media isn’t just changing how students celebrate—it’s also changing how they break up. Instead of private conversations, many relationships now end through vague Instagram stories, dramatic TikTok videos, or sudden changes in relationship status.

“I’ve seen influencers announce breakups in their stories,”. “It makes something personal feel like a public event.”

This new reality makes breakups even harder. A deleted photo or status update can spark rumors and speculation, making an emotional situation even more stressful. Some students also feel pressure to act like they’re okay online, even when they’re not.

Despite these changes, a lot of students still prefer old-school Valentine’s traditions. The STUCO candy gram fundraiser is where students can send notes and small gifts to their crushes, friends, or teachers. Getting a handwritten card or a small surprise still means a lot for many.

Teachers also encourage students to put their phones down and talk to each other. Some classes include interactive activities, like writing letters or talking about what real connection means.

“We want students to remember that real relationships happen face-to-face,” said English teacher Ms. Harrigan. 

For many, the key is finding balance. Social media can be fun, but it’s not everything.

“I love posting about my gals on Valentine’s Day,” said sophomore Hanan Tullu. “But at the end of the day, what matters is how we treat each other in real life.”

As social media continues to shape Valentine’s Day, Spring Valley High School students are learning how to have real connections, proving that love, whether digital or not, is always worth celebrating.