Glen and Kgomotso share views on the etiquette of unfollowing after breakups
Katlego Sekhu
Social media blurs friendship boundaries.
Should you follow your friend’s partner, and when the relationship ends, do you quietly unfollow? Drive 959 with Glen posed this question to its listeners.
A UK survey found that 62% of people unfollowed their friend’s ex out of respect for the friend. A US study revealed that about 40% of people check who unfollows after a breakup.
In South Africa, where Stats SA reports that over 80% of internet users are active on social platforms, “unfollow etiquette” hits close to home.
Glen Lewis shared his perspective:
“For most of us, we don’t even know our friend’s partner’s names. We never communicate. Social media is just social media. Unless you have ulterior motives, it’s not a big deal for me,” he said.
Kgomotso Meso added that unfollowing might often be the respectful choice:
“I think if you followed my partner and we broke up, the polite thing would be to unfollow him. Because once we start talking about him after the breakup, it becomes obsessive,” she said.
“But I wouldn’t dictate it. I’ve never said to any of my friends, ‘Unfollow my ex.’ I just think it’s the polite thing to do.”
To hear the full discussion listen to the podcast.
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