Bit touched' by affection

Are pictures of your over-zealous Facebook friends kissing and hugging appearing time and again on your timeline and annoying you? Social media PDA has been on the rise all of last year and the trend that is continuing in 2017 is only getting bigger and bolder.

Many Bengalureans went overboard posting their kissing photographs from New Year’s Eve parties and year-end travels all over Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat. It’s no more than just a peck or a hug, but public display of affection seems to have donned a whole new meaning now and is garnering millions of likes on social media.

“This is a product of the borderline narcissism that has been bred by the culture of self aggrandisement (selfies etc). If constantly sharing one’s own image in its best form has become acceptable, then why shy away from sharing the visuals of your relationship? I also feel the rush that comes from indulging in PDA is further extended by sharing the same on social media. I don’t want to label this as right or wrong, it’s just the zeitgeist, spirit of the times,” says Anamika Valliappan, English teacher, Primus Public School.

Recruitment consultant Nithya David opines, “We’re being more open about our affection off late and flaunting personal photographs to the world on social networking sites seems to be the trend. While there’s nothing wrong in showing your affection for each other on social media, one has to know where to draw the line so that it doesn’t border to the level of obscenity.”

How much is too much? For many these can be quite nauseating. Dr Shyam Bhat, psychiatrist and founder of seraniti.com states, “Taking photographs and videos has become more popular than actually experiencing the moment itself. In today’s world an experience has to be validated and appreciated before they derive any satisfaction from it. People give so much importance on getting a reaction on social media and as the audience becomes more jaded, they thrive in getting the validation they so desperately seek. As virtual life becomes more important than real life, and as people derive more social status and meaning from social media activity, this trend will grow. We need to pursue real meaningful relationships and interactions, and build a healthy self-esteem, so that we do not seek social media appreciation to feel good about ourselves. When people feel good about themselves and live meaningful lives, the need for validation will decrease.”

While some are of the opinion that it’s an image of what the modern world is, others might confirm to it as being trashy and culturally blasphemous. Psychotherapist at Tattva, Dr Tasneem Nakhoda adds, “It’s quite admirable that Gen-Next exhibits a lot more confidence and assertiveness in their overall way of life. The concept of PDA has been steadily changing over the past few years. It is considered more accepting to an observer as well as to the person showing a display of affection. Social media could be looked at as an easy medium for them to reveal their relationship with their friends and family. Some people go a little over the top and that might be appalling for others who’re new to an overtly outwardly display of affection.”