DISCLAIMER! This article is in no way trying to imply that yuh getting horn (Even though…never mind). It is simply to inform you of how some tech advancements could possibly put a bit of a strain on things. Yes, all relationships are different and some may be a lot more open and trusting than others. Unfortunately, when feelings are involved a wide range of emotions like jealousy and down right maliciousness/macoing tend to be present as well. As newer technologies, gadgets and social media platforms come along, it seems like more and more trust issues are generated. Easy access to almost anything or anyone creates endless possibilities for you and your significant other. Social networks especially, make it easier for you to give into your temptations. They also provide a medium for that link to be made, be it an ex or a new “ting”. From direct messages on twitter, to Facebook inbox messages, to sexting and snapshots – lets face it, as communication mediums increase, there’s more for you to worry about!
Two of the most popular social networks of all time, Facebook and Twitter, are also two of the most popular fight-causing networks of all time. Both sites showcase whom you follow/ “friend” as well as what you like or in Twitter’s case, retweet or “favorited”. Twitter allows one to direct message another follower, without anyone knowing they are active on their account. Facebook also offers a similar alternative, inbox messaging, which allows you to communicate without showing as active to others. As of September 2012, Facebook had over one billion users worldwide which maximized the chances of finding and communicating with lost or old friends. Because of the increased chances of communication and the private messaging features on both sites, they’ve become somewhat of a snoopers’ paradise. Many a brawl have started because of a tagged photo or a simple @ on twitter. Some of us are no strangers to these phrases…”So yuh like *random hot girl* picture eh?!” or “Since when you and HE is friends!” Sigh. Back in 2003 or what we like the call the PF (Pre Facebook) period these were non-issues.
Instagram is a social networking service that allows users to post and view photos and videos as well as share them on other social networking services like Twitter or Facebook. Most of the relationship turmoil surrounding Instagram comes about from the dangerous little “Following” feature. Ha! Who told Instagram to do that? How many can admit to never being asked about what pictures they’ve liked (and why..), who they’re following (and why..), who’s following them (and why..) or why certain people like their posts? How many can admit to never being the questioner? Chances are, those who say not are in a small minority (orrr…yuh lying).
As exciting as Apple’s Touch ID feature is with the new iPhone 5S, it will most likely be the source of plenty bacchanal between couples. Touch ID is new fingerprint identity sensor. It will recognize the owner’s thumbprint granting access to the phone without having entered a password. This seriously ups the ante in the “Relationship Spy game”. All those who have ever gotten lucky in guessing a password or just watching like a hawk until yuh figured it out (my personal weapon of choice) your time has run out. Unless your fingerprint has been enrolled into the Touch ID feature to be recognized by the sensor, access to the phone will be denied. I want to send a big heartfelt F**K YOU to Apple on this one. (You’re welcome ladies 
). Couples around the world would be asking, “So why isn’t my thumb print one of the allowed!!? What yup hiding on yuh phone!!!…” *cue fight*
Last but definitely not least is a quick photo-messaging app known as Snapchat. With this application, users can take photos, record videos, add text and drawings, and send them to a controlled list of recipients. Users set a time limit for how long recipients can view their “snaps” after which they will be hidden from the recipient’s device and deleted from the Snapchat server. Snapchat even allows you to see if your sent item has been saved with a “Screenshot!” message alert. The Snapchat application has been commonly associated with the sexting phenomenon, since it allows the free flow of photos and videos that aren’t saved to the recipient’s device. To add fuel to the fire, Snapchat provides a list of your three “best friends”: the three persons who you exchange snaps with most often. Hmmm…I smell trouble here…
Although it is said that trust is the key to any healthy relationship (*yawn* and all that other clichéd stuff), it does not change the fact that technology has made it a bit harder to do so. Even though technology has served us well in most aspects of our lives, it has, in several cases, done more harm than good to existing relationships. It has definitely made it easier to be lead astray or tempted. Even when these networks or gadgets are used innocently, the possibilities of what could be aren’t necessarily eliminated from a partner’s mind. Regardless of what these networks are being used for, they could still create tension and stressful situations between partners. Above all, I urge couples to be mindful of what they like, who they snap and who they @, just to be on the safe side!
