Facebook is now testing a feature that would allow you to hide your ex's relationship status.
Essentially, Facebook wants to give users more control to limit the many instances in which their ex's might pop up on their browser while using the social networking site.
This not only applies to posts that populate on your News Feed, but even to "suggestions" Facebook gives you on who you might wish to tag in photos. In fact, you'll be able to go back and "untag" your ex on pictures and other content you shared on the site while you were still together.
Facebook asserts that it is doing this to make it easier for people to get over breakups. We've all heard stories of people who torment themselves by checking their ex's page constantly to see if he or she has already hooked up with someone else. Even worse are those cases in which one is so jaded as to stalk the other person, post derogatory remarks on the person's wall, and so on.
I suppose I can see the utility in this, but the bigger question is whether most people are willing to cut the cord in this fashion.
After all, it's only human nature to feel curious as to what your ex is up to after the breakup dust settles. Facebook, at least, gives people the opportunity to stay apprised of their partners' lives -- yes, smells like nosiness, doesn't it? -- without having to reach out to a single soul.
In my view, people who've experienced a bitter breakup and wish to erase the other person from their lives completely may find this tool valuable. It stands to reason that the only way to truly forget about someone is to rid yourself of anything that may remind you of him or her. Most people aren't willing to cancel their Facebook accounts, so this nifty feature just might do the trick.
Currently, this is being tested only in the U.S.
What do you think of this capability? Do you feel it will help people get over a breakup quicker?
Essentially, Facebook wants to give users more control to limit the many instances in which their ex's might pop up on their browser while using the social networking site.
This not only applies to posts that populate on your News Feed, but even to "suggestions" Facebook gives you on who you might wish to tag in photos. In fact, you'll be able to go back and "untag" your ex on pictures and other content you shared on the site while you were still together.
Facebook asserts that it is doing this to make it easier for people to get over breakups. We've all heard stories of people who torment themselves by checking their ex's page constantly to see if he or she has already hooked up with someone else. Even worse are those cases in which one is so jaded as to stalk the other person, post derogatory remarks on the person's wall, and so on.
I suppose I can see the utility in this, but the bigger question is whether most people are willing to cut the cord in this fashion.
After all, it's only human nature to feel curious as to what your ex is up to after the breakup dust settles. Facebook, at least, gives people the opportunity to stay apprised of their partners' lives -- yes, smells like nosiness, doesn't it? -- without having to reach out to a single soul.
In my view, people who've experienced a bitter breakup and wish to erase the other person from their lives completely may find this tool valuable. It stands to reason that the only way to truly forget about someone is to rid yourself of anything that may remind you of him or her. Most people aren't willing to cancel their Facebook accounts, so this nifty feature just might do the trick.
Currently, this is being tested only in the U.S.
What do you think of this capability? Do you feel it will help people get over a breakup quicker?
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