As a student at HCC, there is a good chance that you are putting your entire life on Facebook. In this virtual world you may post pictures or videos, share what you\are doing in the moment (i.e. “Facebook Status”), plan events, instantly chat with others, catch up with old high school pals, or make funny comments on friends’ walls…You can even signify the beginning and ending of an intimate relationship with a simple click of your mouse (i.e., “Relationship Status”). This can make romance very dangerous when your private relationship is played out in front of hundreds of close friends, childhood companions, strangers, and even family members (e.g., if you are one of those people who choose to friend your mother!). In the past, couples enjoyed their right to keep their heartaches and break-ups to themselves. However, when living in the world of Facebook, these rights can be compromised by “news feed,” and instant updates and relationship status icons. Many Facebook users may not even consider their relationship official until their relationship status is posted on the site. Consequently, this public display of intimacy on-line may create new issues in the modern relationship. For example, some people may be pressured to get into a relationship on Facebook before they are ready. You may wonder if you should take down all the “tagged” pictures of the two of you together. It can also be devastating watching your partner move on in another relationship right before your eyes. As a result, it may be easy to find yourself constantly checking your ex’s page in a desperate attempt to find out about his or her life without you.

  While Facebook is a wonderful way to meet new people, reconnect with old friends, share one’s happiness about a current relationship and share pictures and stay connected with family and friends, one must be cautious about how much of one’s personal life one wants their entire network of friends to know…especially when a great relationship today may have the potential of turning sour tomorrow… Tips for securing your privacy and sanity when “In a Relationship” on Facebook, communication with your partner is key: Just because your relationship is posted in a virtual reality doesn’t mean you can stop verbally communicating with your partner in the real world. Think carefully before you click the button: For example, if you are angry at your partner and want to write something spiteful on their wall…think about if you want your entire network to know the intimate details of your relationship. Adjust Facebook privacy settings to help protect your personal information. Facebook has many powerful tools to protect you on-line. For example, you can hide your “mini-feed” stories so your friends don’t know who you break up with, or the pictures that you were tagged in at that raging party you went to last night. Dealing with a break-up is hard enough without the added pain of breaking up in the public eye on Facebook.

  Remember to take care of yourself, seek support from people who are close to you, and treat your ex respectfully. If you would like some extra support through a difficult time, don’t hesitate to come to your campus Counseling Center.