The data from our community genuinely shocked me: 61% said yes, they would delete it, and 39% said no. I was not expecting the majority of people to say yes. But the more I thought about it, the more it made sense.
Social media has changed the entire landscape of relationships. It gives us exposure and access to people we may have otherwise NEVER crossed paths with: exes, new crushes, and endless options. With that access comes temptation, comparison, and sometimes mistrust.
I’ve seen and heard the stories:
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Partners fighting over liking risqué photos.
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Adding new people while on a trip or during a night out.
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DM conversations that start innocent but cross boundaries.
Even the smallest gestures (liking a story), can carry double meanings. For one person, it’s nothing more than a tap, an easy way to acknowledge a post. For another, it feels like a breadcrumb, a way of keeping tabs, or a subtle signal of interest.
Related: Is it wrong for your partner to like risqué pictures on instagram?
Does that harm us? By knowing there are always options out there; people watching, liking, messaging, do we start to believe the grass is greener elsewhere? Does it make us less willing to water the grass at home because we know there’s always “another” just a tap away?
So, is it worth it? Is holding onto your Instagram or other social accounts worth constant friction in your relationship? Or is deleting it an unfair expectation that crosses into control?
Some people see deleting social media as an act of commitment… choosing peace over pixels. Others see it as a red flag, a sign of control and insecurity. Maybe the real question isn’t “Would you delete it?” but “Why are they asking you to?”
If it’s rooted in insecurity, that’s one conversation. If it’s because social media has already caused cracks in trust, that’s another. Either way, it forces us to confront how much social media really belongs in our relationships, and how much it takes away.
It’s extremely circumstantial. For some people, social media is purely personal; something they could take or leave. For others, it’s their livelihood. If you or your partner rely on social media for business, marketing, or income, the conversation becomes a lot more nuanced. Deleting it isn’t just about boundaries in a relationship, it could mean sacrificing your career.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this topic. Let me know down below in the comment section.
Thank you to everyone who voted!
xX,
Stephanie
