Around GMA

Article Inside Page

Flexing couple photos on social media seem to be the new validation of relationships nowadays. We are all used to seeing that friend who posts photos of their romantic partner. This gesture gives other people impressions of their current relationship. And why is that important? Why do people need to show off their partners on social media? Here's why:

1. To inform everyone in the circle of your new status.

Letting people know you are together and we mean “exclusively for each other” is easier through the digital media. One sweet photo whether on Facebook or Instagram will feed the idea that you two are in a relationship or atl east getting there. Thus, some people also prefer to label them “taken” in the social world through bios or status.

The downside, however, of posting your relationship status is the feedback you get from people who aren't happy with who your partner is or your relationship as a whole. Allowing people to know simply gives them the unsolicited right to meddle especially when things go south.

Ketut Subiyanto (Pexels)

2. To protect your relationship from any threat.

New couples tend to brag their relationship in order to prevent former partners or alternative relationships from coming in between or to think they still have a chance at getting back together. This also serves as a caution to those just waiting for the breakup and is ready to swoop in your partner's feet the moment the tie's off.

With all the advancement, it's easier to catch a cheater especially now that everything you post on social media is as good as any evidence. This, however, is another effect of posting relationships publicly. It exposes hidden relationships and publicizes digital catfights.

Andrea Piacquadio (Pexels)

3. It boosts self-esteem.

Showing off an “in a relationship status” somehow makes a partner feel confident. For some people, individuals who are “fenced” are more likely to appear attractive and likable to the crowd, to think that someone else committed a relationship with them.

On the contrary, posting for this reason most likely affects your self-esteem once the relationship gets rough. The opposite of it takes into place once something goes wrong. Moreover, it leads to feeling not good enough no matter how established you are outside of the digital world. Worst is overthinking that you are labeled only as someone else's ex because you allowed the social world to witness the relationship.

Ketut Subiyanto (Pexels)

4. Controlling how we look.

Since social media is basically a space where we “brag” things, posting your partner is another way of controlling how people see you and brand you. Choosing to be clingy in the social world is a choice that is sometimes made out of pressure. We are all hooked to be the trendy couple whom most perceive #relationshipgoals.

The pitfall of being socially trendy is that most of the time, couples just do it for that single reason and not because they are really intimate with each other. It makes them feel a couple is socially responsible to look #goals since they have established this unrealistic relationship image.

Ketut Subiyanto (Pexels)

5. They are mementos for life and beyond.

Posting pictures of milestones and any events, both small and significant, serves as a digital souvenir of memories you can look at fondly whenever you want to. And since it is on the internet, you are sure to have a back-up of those.

Problem is, when the relationship has ended unfavorably for the two of you, you are left with memories you would have wished you had never saved on the internet to begin with. Nonetheless, you are left with the option of taking them all down or saving them up for future purposes..

andrea piacquadio (Pexels)

Sharing your status or your private life publicly is a make or break depending on how a partner utilizes the platform or up to what extent they choose to share. It may be satisfying to most as their source of power and happiness, but it can also be a kryptonite that can break not only the relationship but yourself as well.