In today’s society, the term “cheating” in romantic relationships has various meanings and is viewed differently by different people. While some people believe that any form of cheating is the ultimate betrayal, others see it as a normal part of a relationship or as human nature.
Most people consider cheating to be physically and emotionally intimate with someone else, such as flirting, kissing, forming a deep connection, or opening up with someone on a personal level. Freshman Eva Clayton voiced what she considers cheating in a romantic relationship. “Wandering eyes, a lack of boundaries, and hiding secrets are all dealbreakers in a relationship,” she shared.
However, in the modern age of social media, even something as simple as liking a post from someone of the opposite gender can end a relationship. Social media has significantly influenced how some people, especially younger generations, view cheating. Most of the cheating that occurs in relationships today is linked to social media causes. For example, following someone of the opposite gender, sending DMs on Instagram, using features like vanish mode, liking another person’s posts, following someone of the opposite gender, or secretly using dating apps, can all cause suspicions and break boundaries set in the relationship. These smaller interactions are considered micro-cheating, such as checking someone out online or engaging with someone out of the relationship.
In contrast, student Kaden Davis argues against micro-cheating. “There is no such thing as micro-cheating; it is considered cheating regardless of how minor the situation may seem,” he stated. On social media platforms, users can be anonymous and delete messages and apps, making it easier for individuals to hide their behavior from others. However, the secrecy of these actions makes them feel like a betrayal and breaks trust in a relationship.
So, what is the actual definition of romantic “cheating”? According to Southern University Mental Health Counselor Ariana Hollins, cheating is anything you can’t do in front of your partner, specifically forming an emotional connection with someone else. “A lot of people don’t realize that even while talking to someone as friends, you could develop feelings of intimacy and emotions for them, even if they may be across the world,” she said.
When asked why people cheat on their partners, Ms. Hollins mentioned a couple of reasons. “It could range from unmet needs in the relationship, personal struggles, or even mental health issues,” she listed. She added that instead of being destructive, individuals should communicate their unhappiness and move forward in life, allowing both partners to find someone willing to give them the love they deserve.
