When to use social media and AI to keep the romantic flames alive this Valentine's Day
Jason and Robyn shares only what they want on social media
Image: Facebook
There was a time when romance and Valentine's Day meant nervously passing handwritten notes, saving money for chocolates or a bouquet of roses. Capturing love meant blurry disposable camera photos, scrapbooks filled with movie tickets, and letters stored in shoeboxes under beds.
Fast forward to 2026 and love has stepped into a digital spotlight, one shaped by Instagram reels, AI-generated love letters, perfectly timed posts, and algorithms that sometimes appear to know your relationship status before your family does.
Valentine’s Day, once centred on quiet and deeply personal gestures, has evolved into a public celebration of romance. Social media feeds transform into virtual love galleries filled with surprise proposals, matching outfits, luxury getaways and emotional declarations that gather thousands of likes.
But experts say this digital evolution has come with emotional side effects.
Dr. Eve gives advice on the dangers and positives about using social media tools and AI in keeping the romantic flames alive.
Image: Supplied.
Well-known local sexologist and relationship expert Dr Eve warns that comparison culture can quietly chip away at relationship satisfaction.
“Comparisons are toxic and harmful to individuals and couples,” she explained. “They lead to dissatisfaction with what one has and a longing for what others seem to have. Social media images are strong visual constructs which can lead to emotional distress and lower self-esteem.”
The rise of artificial intelligence has added another layer to modern romance, with couples increasingly turning to AI for relationship advice, communication support and romantic inspiration.
Dr Eve said the trend is becoming so common that she has had to adapt her therapeutic approach.
“When I became aware of how many people were turning to AI for relationship advice and even primary emotional or sexual attachment, I completed training on the ethics of AI and therapy,” she said. “I now ask clients about their relationships with AI because it may influence or confuse their therapy.”
While she acknowledges AI can be helpful, particularly for creative gift ideas or moments of loneliness, she warns of its limitations.
“AI can be immediately available and comforting, but its downfall is its sycophantic nature,” she explained. “It often agrees with users, which removes opportunities for problem-solving, self-reflection and learning how to manage emotional discomfort all of which are crucial for healthy relationships.”
Wade and Tara are open about their relationship
Image: Facebook
Social media continues to play a significant role in shaping how couples present love to the world. Grand public displays of affection, once reserved for movie scenes, now unfold daily across timelines.
Dr Eve said couples need to understand that love is deeply personal and cannot be copied from viral trends.
“Each couple must know what rituals, symbols and activities create feelings of love, commitment and passion for them personally,” she said. “Copying social media couples or engaging in love-bombing based on trends can leave partners feeling unseen and disconnected. Personalised gestures always have the deepest impact.”
Many couples navigating digital romance are finding ways to strike a balance. Popular social media duo Jason and Robyn, known for their humorous relationship skits and advice, say their online presence is built on entertainment rather than full transparency.
“We entertain with our humour because we all need a good laugh every once in a while,” they explained. “How we are on social media is how we are when we’re together. That’s what keeps our connection alive.”
The couple deliberately keeps certain moments private, even when they recognise content opportunities.
“Many times we find ourselves just being us and realise that would have been a good post, but we hold onto that laugh just for us,” they said. “We always put us before social media.”
After posting, they step away from their screens and focus on personal goals and uninterrupted time together, a conscious digital boundary that helps maintain intimacy.
Another social media voice, Tara Courtene, who frequently shares glimpses of life with her husband Wade, believes authenticity has become both her brand and her relationship anchor.
“Most of the stuff that I post is authentic. I like vlogging in-the-moment conversations. If it’s an argument, it’s an argument,” she said. “If you’re just being yourself, it’s easier and less draining.”
Like many couples navigating the modern digital world, Tara admits AI and online content occasionally spark debates between them.
“I’m very gullible, so sometimes I believe things online and Wade will say, ‘That’s AI for sure, please get it together,’” she laughs.
However, she said communication remains their strongest relationship tool.
“We talk, talk, over-talk, talk too much sometimes we forget what we’re doing because that’s how much we talk. That’s when your partner becomes your best friend.”
The couple, together for more than a decade, relies heavily on shared offline rituals to keep their relationship grounded. Food plays a surprisingly romantic role, with breakfast dates, spontaneous outings and mini adventures forming part of their love language.
Dancing is another ritual that keeps their relationship playful.
“I love teaching Wade to dance. He has two left feet and it makes it hilarious. We laugh, we sweat, and it becomes bonding time,” Tara said.
Their evenings often end with what they call a relationship “debrief.” After the children are asleep, they talk through the highs and lows of their day, working through frustrations and celebrating small victories together.
While Tara admitted that she is open to AI planning a romantic date, she has embraced understanding relationship roles.
“I’m the romantic one and I enjoy planning things he loves,” she said. “Over time you learn from each other and understand how you both show love.”
She also offers strong advice to followers who watch couples online.
“Be authentic and don’t compare your relationship to what you see on social media. A lot of content is entertainment. You can admire relationships, but don’t compare yours or envy someone else’s love.”
Dr Eve echoed this warning, reminding audiences that influencer relationships are curated public performances.
“Some influencers have chosen to share their love publicly as part of their work,” she said. “For everyone else, it is important to remember this is not their full reality. AI can be a useful tool for personalised romantic ideas, but authentic, safe and consensual human connection must remain central.”
She encouraged those feeling emotionally overwhelmed during Valentine’s season to focus inward.
“Notice emotions triggered by social media. Prepare grounding anchors like music, nature, meaningful time with loved ones or comforting activities,” she advised.