The digital era of our world has brought with it digital anxiety.
Of course, these anxieties are anything but virtual. With the new technology is the potential for a whole new slew of feelings and insecurities on display for anybody and everybody to see. Here are a few more things to worry about, thanks to Facebook.
1. The “Facebook Official” talk:
This issue didn’t exist before Mark Zuckerberg made it a thing to walk around with our relationship status plastered to our forehead. The fight is one that runs so deep it’s even been the reason some couples have broken up (which ironically solved the problem).
Meanwhile, others simply choose to avoid it all together. If the relationship ends, neither of you need that kind of stress on display. Nothing drives home the hurt of heartbreak harder than having your 27 closest Facebook friends texting you asking, “what happened? I saw it on Facebook.”
2. Whether or not the two of you are in each others profile picture:
The profile picture is a social head shot for your entire social network, and your Great Aunt Velma to see. It’s the staple you put out there for the world to view of you. Naturally, fights could ensue.
Maybe it’s possible your significant other chose a picture without you in it not because you aren’t in it, but because they look good in it. Now there’s food for thought.
3. How often you “like” each other’s pictures:
This has actually become a decently large issue in recent years because it shows public validation of your partner. We get upset when our partners don’t publicly acknowledge us and give their nod of approval. Of course, maybe you should start question why a picture of your manicure needs a nod of approval (but that’s a listicle for another day).
However, depending on how much emphasis your partner puts on social media, you might be on very differently playing fields here. S/he might only check their Facebook once a week, while you religiously check yours.
4. Who is liking your significant other’s photos (especially ex-boyfriends and girlfriends):
While this may be a legitimate reason to get upset, can you really get mad at your partner for it? S/he doesn’t have control over what their past can do to their present.
If this is an issue in your relationship, the two of you should have a serious discussion about why this former partner is seeking attention and what your current partner thinks of it. If the two of you openly communicate, you should be able to reach a comfortable peace.
5. When they untag themselves from photos you tag them in:
You’re first inclination might be to say, “oh no, he’s cheating on me.” However, upon viewing the picture, his first inclination might be to say, “oh no, my hair looks terrible from that angle.”
6. When they crop you out of pictures:
This is a huge diss in the digital era. What are they going to do next, crop you out of their hearts?!
You have good reason to question what is motivating them to act in such a way. Is there something you are overlooking? Maybe there is a legitimate reason when they can’t fit you in the picture. If it really does bother you, I suggest having a discussion about it.
Whatever you do, please don’t post any passive aggressive status updates for the world to read (or do–I love watching couples publicly fight on Facebook).
[Featured Image Credit: Michele Ursino via Flickr]