She Strengthens

The Unseen Dangers of Social Media Obsession

Are you guilty of mindlessly scrolling through your ex’s new partner’s Instagram feed, searching for answers to questions you don’t even know you’re asking? You’re not alone. Social media has made it easier than ever to keep tabs on others, but at what cost?

The Blurred Lines of Instagram Stalking

Instagram stalking is a phenomenon where we use social media to gather information about someone without their knowledge or consent. While it may seem harmless, this behavior can have insidious effects on both ourselves and the people we’re watching.

Understanding the Science of Stalking

Stalking is a pattern of harassing or threatening tactics that cause fear or safety concerns. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 6.6 million adults are stalked each year in the United States, with most cases involving a current or former intimate partner or acquaintance.

When Curiosity Turns to Obsession

So, how do we know when our Instagram stalking has crossed the line from harmless curiosity to unhealthy obsession? Ask yourself:

• Why am I doing this?
• What is fueling my desire to visit their page?
• How will I use the information that I find?
• Is this in service of my healing, or does it impede it?

Recognizing the Warning Signs

If you find yourself using social media to:

• Harass or intimidate someone
• Gather information to use against them later
• Track their whereabouts or activities
• Hide behind a fake account
• Stoke anger and jealousy

it may be time to take a step back and reassess your motivations.

The Psychological Toll of Love Rejection

Following a breakup, people often experience a drop in serotonin levels, leading to feelings of restlessness, nostalgia, and obsessive behavior. This can manifest in violent impulsive behavior, such as stalking or murder, or lower-level compulsive behavior, like excessive social media scrolling.

Taking Control of Your Behavior

Before you start typing that name into the search box again, remember that your motivations and subsequent behavior matter. Ask yourself the hard questions, and be honest about your intentions. Using social media to disconnect from your own humanity or others’ right to privacy is not a coping mechanism that supports your health and happiness.

Breaking the Cycle of Obsession

It’s time to take responsibility for our actions and recognize the fine line between harmless scrolling and harmful behavior. By being aware of our motivations and the impact of our actions, we can break the cycle of obsession and focus on healing and growth.