It is 2025. As a society we have moved past the days of in-person courtship or correspondence via love letters. Those were simpler times. There is no use in looking back. Now, in addition to navigating your own romantic feelings, a necessary element of dating is deciphering the complex world of social media communication. What does it mean that your new love interest only makes contact via Snapchat pictures? Is it a positive sign that your crush is sending you TikToks? What could a Spotify follow possibly mean? If you’re struggling in this area of social media proficiency, worry not. You are likely not alone. It is a burden our generation has been forced to carry. Let’s lighten the load, shall we?
For those of you currently in a situationship, unclear of where you stand or whether this thing is going anywhere at all, deciphering your social media exchanges can help ease some of the confusion. This week, we are going to break down some of the major media platforms and what romantic correspondence in these channels indicates. Spoiler alert: this could be upsetting. Another spoiler, if there is no communication besides in your imagination, it’s going nowhere. Hate to be the bearer of bad news, but some things just have to be said.
Snapchat
If your only correspondence is Snapchat, run. Ladies and gentlemen, we are in college. Unless you are a high schooler accidentally reading The Villanovan, there is absolutely no hope if you are stuck in the Snapchat stage. And no, occasional chats are not an exception. Snapchat is so 2016. Text once in a while, please. In all seriousness, if you are hoping to exit the dreaded situationship era and forge a more meaningful connection, pursue other modes of communication. While Snapchatting in addition to more adult, mature, sophisticated, real, grown, cultured, appropriate, meaningful (need I go on?) social media platforms is acceptable, a Snapchat every four hours is not a good sign. Deep down you must know this.
Instagram DM
By itself, Instagram DMing does not scream relationship and commitment, but if it is supplemented with iMessage, it perhaps indicates a more promising future. Personally, sending hilarious Instagram memes is a gift I bestow upon only my dearest of companions. It means something that I saw a reel and thought of you, so take it for the compliment it is. A good old Instagram DM exchange can suggest that there is humor, depth and maybe even a real connection between you and your situationship. If they start sending you posts with cool restaurant recommendations, they are most likely the one. Another potential Instagram activity that could give you some much-needed clarity is mentally noting their likes. The eyes are no longer a window to the soul, this is reserved for Instagram likes.
Spotify/Apple Music
Not to jump to conclusions, but this is incredibly promising. Even I am excited for the possibility of your lifetime partnership. Let me put this in simple terms: if they are sending you songs, following you on Spotify or lurking in your Apple Music playlists, this is no longer a situationship. Music is deeply personal, and correspondence via these outlets suggests not only a willingness to open up, but a desire to get to know you for who you really are. Horrible music taste and all. Words of caution, if you get a follow notification from Spotify, consider hiding your numerous playlists about heartbreak and being alone forever.
Text Message
Ah, the best for last. As discussed, in a world where you can transport wordless pictures of your face across the globe in seconds, real conversation is oftentimes forsaken. Let’s bring conversing back. Let’s make structured dialogue cool again. Let’s demand the respect of being asked for our number, not our Snapchat. Standards are all the rage. A situationship flourishing over text means something, maybe not everything, but something. The additional effort that goes into keeping an iMessage conversation alive and engaging is an indication of true romantic intentions. If you are struggling to escape the cycle of Snapchat streaks, consider trying this often forgotten and underrated form of communication for a more promising future.
Now that we’ve decoded some of the confusing social media gargle, go forth with open eyes and see your situationships for what they truly are: destined for doom or potentially prosperous. At the end of the day, not all apps are created equal. Growing up in the 21st century requires proficiency regarding the ins and outs of such platforms, and this is a responsibility one must take seriously. That is, if they don’t wish to remain single forever.
With love.
