Have you ever wondered why people put relationship status, or relationship changes on the social networking profiles like Facebook?
What is the purpose of announcing relationship information? I understand the reason for it if one is including that information on a dating website.
When I see that, I immediately think about how people sometimes need validation, affirmation, and approval from others. Announcing to the public one's status does more than provide basic profile information; it somehow provides validation regarding the relationship itself.
Example: What if a person is in a relationship (married, long-term, etc) needs to demonstrate his/her level of commitment in the relationship, so he/she announces it publicly? What does that say about the relationship? Is it secure, happy, and stable? Or is there some level of mistrust?
Consider this, how a person presents him/herself on Facebook is likely how the person sees him/herself in reality. So, if one puts "it's complicated" as a relationship status, what is that communicating to people? When people immediately change the relationship status, is that supposed to communicate availability? Does it also broadcast to the public one's level of commitment in relationships? Does it communicate the inability to be alone?
Considering the fact that potential employers now review social networking profiles, it might be wise to revisit what is included on a personal profile. What do you want for an employer to know about you? Does your profile portray you at your best or at your worse? Are your strengths or deficits exemplified?
What are your thoughts?
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