They Liked Another Person’s Photo… So What?

 In today’s day and age, there is no denying that social media plays a massive role in everyone’s lives. Instagram specifically seems to have taken the role of being the social media app that everyone uses to update people on their lives. We post what we’re doing, whom we’re dating, where we’re going, and everything in between. The dating thing has become such a big deal on social media with soft and hard launches and whatnot. But it’s what goes on behind closed doors on social media that I’m here to talk about. All this is about whether or not it is wrong to like another person’s photo when you are in a relationship.

         For example, if you are a guy with a girlfriend, the moral dilemma is whether or not you are “allowed” to like other girls’ posts. I have heard lots of mixed opinions on this topic. Some people say it is not okay to like other people’s photos, but an equal amount of people say it is no big deal.

         The reason people make it such a big deal is because it can be considered a form of cheating. If I am a guy and I start following a ton of hot girls and start liking all their bikini pics, then yes, that would not be okay and should probably be cause for alarm. But if a best friend from high school posts a bikini pic, and I like it, am I still in the wrong? This is where the line gets a little bit blurry. It becomes a conversation that you need to have with your partner and establish some boundaries.

         Now, outside the realm of bikini pics or thirst traps, why would anyone think it is wrong to be liking other people’s posts? The Oxford English Dictionary defines social media as “Websites and applications which enable users to create and share content or to participate in social networking.” A place where users make content, share it, and interact with other people’s content. If you are on social media to not interact with other people, it becomes a bigger waste of time than it already is.

One could argue that you would only like a photo if you genuinely like it, meaning you think the person posting it is hot. That being said, the like feature on Instagram has been around since the app’s birth, and I feel as though it has always been used generously. If a friend posts something, I will probably like it simply in support. I’m a guy, and I will admit most of the friends I still have from high school are girls. That’s just the way it happened. It could be just me, but the farther I get in my college career, the harder it seems to be to stay in touch with friends from high school. If Instagram likes are one of the only things I can do to say, “Hey guys, I’m still here, and we’re still friends. I’m just super busy with college. Here’s this like to show you that I’m still here,” then I’m liking the hell out of that post, no matter if it’s a bikini pic or not.

When it comes to romantic relationships, our generation puts too much weight on things like Instagram likes. It also creates so many double standards. Girls can like guys’ posts, but the boyfriend can’t like other girls’ posts or vice versa. Whatever it may be, it’s exhausting. It all just leads to petty arguments and passive-aggressive behavior. We should focus more on quality time and conversation rather than getting worked up over something as small as an Instagram-like.

Strike Out,

Ryan Manney

Boca Raton

Ryan Manney is a Content Writer for Strike Magazine Boca. His hobbies amount to surfing, skating, writing, reading, and everything music. When he isn’t surfing, he loves watching and/or playing live music. He also likes to wear cool clothes. You can reach him on instagram @ryanmanney or email @ r.manney3@gmail.com