Features
Olajumoke Awosemo: Social Media PDA
Before the dominance of social media, public display of affection(PDA)was mainly referred to as the acts of physical intimacy exhibited by couples in the view of others. Several relationship experts have viewed PDA as an important element in strengthening relationships. As a matter of fact, research shows that there are three pillars of PDAs: 1) hand-holding, 2) a kissing and 3) affectionate invasions of space. Others include: public declarations of love, the use of pet names, babying etc.
On the other hand, technology has been rapidly evolving, and with it, social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram are growing – with people posting everything from what they are about to eat; to what items they just purchased, and of course there has been an increase of PDA via these social media sites. Many people’s Facebook profiles show their relationship status and even link to their partner’s profile. Photos of smiling, embracing couples are not uncommon as profile photos, and sometimes people leave loving messages on their partner’s Facebook pages. Instant messaging platforms like Blackberry and Watsapp show display pages of people with pictures of their loved ones, with sweet personal messages to follow.
Of the two genders, it is fair to say that the female folks are more into the social media PDAs, ranging from birthday and anniversary long messages to the ‘shout outs’ to the best ‘bae’, husband’ and father posts. The 21st century man has also greatly improved on his PDA skills. I have been greatly impressed with some epic proposals and the efforts that men are now putting into making their women happy.
However, some men still cannot bring themselves to showing emotions, whether in the physical open or on social media. Although, it does not mean that those who do not want to highlight their relationship on social media are necessarily unhappy, not in love or even unromantic, some people are just not into the public mushy stuff. It also does not imply that the men who display love on social media are genuine, Infact, for some playboys, social media PDA is all part of the game.
The majority of women aren’t going to demand a full-on make-out tell- all pictures or messages, but most will want at least the occasional display of love- to let the world know that she is in a relationship, that she is genuinely happy and of course to boost her confidence. Social media PDAs have become so important to some women that the lack of it from their man could lead to them calling off of their relationship. Some (few) women couldn’t care less and even when they see the signs of other people’s couple-dom on social media, they think, ‘Enough already!’ One of my friends put it into perspective when she said that for people who are still dating, unless one is sure that the person will marry you, don’t make a fool of yourself by posting pictures of the two of you every day. Love your partner, post the occasional photo and be happy because if or when you do break up, the process of deleting all the pictures will be even more grueling.
It is worth asking whether there can be too much PDA on a social network? And is there something lacking in a relationship without it? Also as a woman, how important is PDA on social media important to you?
Photo Credit: Dreamstime | Andrey Popov
