Social media has completely changed how we see the world—and each other. From TikTok trends to Instagram-worthy moments, it’s become a central part of how we connect. But is it truly bringing us closer, or is it disconnecting us from the real world and what truly matters?
The internet is one of the most remarkable creations of our time—a tool that gives us access to every bit of information we could ever want. It has transformed the way we live, work, and connect. Alongside the internet came the rise of social media, a digital world where everything and everyone can be found. From friends and family to complete strangers, social media has blurred the lines between the personal and the public, creating a space where connections are made, relationships are built—or sometimes, broken.
While social media has brought people closer in many ways, it has also introduced new challenges, especially in relationships. The simple act of liking a photo or following someone can spark conversations, insecurities, and even conflicts. It’s not just about scrolling anymore—it’s about how every interaction online carries meaning, whether intended or not. In this world where appearances and impressions matter so much, navigating social media as part of a relationship has become more complicated than ever.
The Embarrassment of Social Media Likes
Social media has completely changed the way relationships work, and not always for the better. When someone’s boyfriend is out there liking, following, or commenting on photos of other girls—especially ones that are provocative—it can feel really disrespectful. It’s not always about jealousy. It’s more about the embarrassment it causes because it’s so public. Everyone knows he’s in a relationship, but his actions online send a different message. It’s like he’s inviting people to question how much he really respects his partner and the relationship.
The “I Just Like Everything” Excuse
They often defend themselves by saying things like, “I just like everything I see,” or, “I don’t even really look at it.” But let’s be real—you’re seeing what you’re liking, so that excuse doesn’t hold up. If you’re paying enough attention to double-tap, you’re paying enough attention to know what kind of message it’s sending. It’s frustrating because it feels dismissive, like they’re not even acknowledging the impact of their actions or taking responsibility for how it might make their partner feel.
People Notice—More Than You Think
Another common excuse is, “No one’s even looking at who’s liking the photos,” or, “It’s just you stalking me and checking what I’m liking or commenting on.” But that’s so far from the truth. What they don’t realize is that women do notice these things, and we do talk about them—a lot. Girls send screenshots to each other of who’s liking whose posts, and if it’s a guy they know is in a relationship, it sends a message. It’s not just harmless; it makes people think, “Oh, maybe he likes me,” or, “He must be having problems in his relationship if he’s out here engaging with my posts.”
It’s embarrassing for the girlfriend because it’s not just about the like—it’s about what it implies. Girls see it as, “He must be into me, maybe he’s planning to DM me.” And while guys might not do the same, girls absolutely do. That’s why it’s so important for boyfriends to think twice before double-tapping. It’s not harmless, and it doesn’t go unnoticed. Honestly, no one gets hurt if you just scroll past without liking. The only thing you’re hurting by double-tapping is your relationship and your girlfriend’s feelings—and that’s a pretty dumb trade-off for some random picture.
Mutual Friends vs. Random Strangers
Personally, I don’t have an issue if my boyfriend likes a normal photo of a girl who’s a mutual friend, or even just his friend. If the photo is appropriate, that’s fine by me. It’s not about controlling every interaction; it’s about context. But when it comes to liking photos of random girls or random inappropriate pictures, that’s where I draw the line. It just feels unnecessary and disrespectful.
Of course, if a girlfriend genuinely doesn’t care about it, that’s her choice. Personally, I haven’t met a single girl who feels that way, but hey, if it works for her, good for her. Most girls, though—let’s be real—don’t feel okay about it. It’s just one of those things that creates tension and unnecessary drama when it could easily be avoided.
Unrealistic Standards and Added Pressure
On top of that, social media itself is built on unrealistic expectations. Almost everything we see is edited—photoshopped, Facetuned, or filtered. This creates impossible beauty standards, especially for women, and makes people feel like they have to look perfect all the time. It’s one of the reasons why everyone on social media starts to look the same. Women feel pressured to conform to these standards, and then when their partner is out there liking that kind of content, it adds even more pressure. It’s not just about respect—it’s about how these behaviors reinforce a toxic cycle of comparison and unattainable ideals.
At the end of the day, social media might seem harmless, but it has real consequences for relationships. What someone does online reflects their priorities, and those actions—no matter how small—can undermine trust, respect, and the relationship itself. It’s not just about avoiding jealousy; it’s about being thoughtful and respectful of your partner in every aspect of your life, including online.
This is really gettin old