Should you share social media passwords with your significant other?

Photo Credit: npr.org

Embarking on a new relationship is both exciting and scary. As the relationship grows and matures, you develop a mutual love and trust with your significant other. However, in the age of social media websites, one may wonder if we should share our passwords with our significant others.

Even though you are in a relationship with someone, your partner is entitled to their privacy, and they are entitled to keep their passwords private.
However, there are a few exceptions:

1. If you both have decided to share a social networking profile. In that case, you should be sharing passwords.
2. If one or both of you are ill. In the event that one of you has a health setback, by exchanging passwords, you can notify your partner’s friends of the setback.

Now, if you want your partner’s social media password in order to spy on them, your partner has every right to deny your request. If you feel that your partner is up to something, bringing your partner’s friends and family into the situation by contacting them will make matters worse.
Social networking sites are available for people to stay in contact with friends and family. There is no right or wrong answer in terms of whether or not you should share your passwords with your partner. It all depends on your relationship. If you suspect that your partner is misbehaving, talk to your partner about it. Don’t go behind their back and cause unnecessary drama.

Using your best judgment will help you and your partner enjoy being on social networking sites.
Below are a couple of stats to show you how many people share their passwords with their significant others.

Photo Credit: PEW Research Center

Photo Credit: PEW Research Center

(Previously featured on my examiner.com page, with revisions)