Why does my partner like pictures of half-naked girls on social networks?

23/03/2023

More and more often, as a psychologist, I encounter a situation where clients come to me and ask me why their partner spends so much time on social networks and likes photos of other men or women.

Why do people actually spend so much time on social networks?

People spend a lot of time on social networks like Instagram and Facebook for various reasons. Some basic ones include the following:

  • Social connection: Social networks provide an easy way for people to connect and stay in touch with friends, family and acquaintances. People can share updates, photos and messages with their social network regardless of distance or time zone.
  • Entertainment: Social media offers a wide variety of content that can be entertaining and engaging. People can view posts, photos and videos, play games and interact with others.
  • Information: Social networks are often used as a source of news and information. People can follow accounts related to their interests, stay up-to-date on current events, and get product or service recommendations.
  • Self-expression: Social media allows people to express themselves and share their thoughts, ideas and opinions with others. People can share their own content, such as photos, videos or blog posts, and interact with others who share similar interests or opinions.
  • Networking: Social media can be a valuable tool for professional networking and career development. People can connect with others in their industry, share their work and find new job opportunities.

It is important to note that excessive use of social networks can also have negative effects such as addiction, anxiety and social isolation. It's important to find a healthy balance between using social media for positive purposes and maintaining a healthy lifestyle offline. At the same time, time spent on social networks can also affect partner's life.

Why do we try to give and get likes on social networks?

We go to social networks to give likes and also get them. People like on social media for various reasons such as:

  • Showing appreciation: People often give likes to show appreciation for something they liked or found valuable, such as a funny meme, inspirational quote, or beautiful photo.
  • Building Social Connections: Likes can be a way to connect with others and show support for their posts. It can help people feel part of a community and form relationships with others who share similar interests.
  • Increase Visibility: Likes can help increase the visibility of a post or account. When someone gives "like", it signals to the social network's algorithm that the post is engaging and relevant, which can increase the likelihood that it will be seen by more people.
  • Self-expression: Liking can be a way for people to express their own interests and preferences. By liking certain posts or accounts, people can create a public record of their tastes and interests.

It's important to note that while likes can be a positive and affirming experience for many people, they can also contribute to feelings of social comparison, anxiety, and low self-esteem. It's important to be mindful of the potential effects of likes on mental health and well-being and to use social media in a way that feels healthy and balanced.

Wanting likes from others on social media can be a natural human desire for social recognition and positive evaluation. We try to get likes for various reasons and some of them are as follows:

  • Social Validation: Likes can be a form of social validation, confirming that others appreciate or approve of what you've shared. When people get likes, it can help them feel recognized and accepted by their social network.
  • Boosting Self-Esteem: Receiving likes can help boost self-esteem and confidence, especially for those who may struggle with low self-esteem or confidence in their offline lives.
  • Social Comparison: Likes can also encourage social comparison, where people compare themselves to others based on the number of likes. This can be a way for people to gauge their popularity or status within their social network.
  • Reward system: Likes can act as a reward system where people are incentivized to create and share content that gets more likes. This can lead to a cycle of creating and sharing content that is designed to be popular or popular.

While likes can provide temporary feelings of self-esteem validation, over-relying on them for validation can have a negative impact on mental health and well-being. It is important to cultivate a healthy sense of self-worth that is not based solely on external validation of popularity or popularity on social media.

What if you notice that your partner likes photos of half-naked girls?

At the outset, it must be said that without contact with a specific person, I cannot clearly define the motives of my partner's actions. However, I can list a few possible reasons why someone might like pictures of top-naked girls on social media:

  • Biological desire: Humans have a natural tendency to seek out attractive individuals. It's possible that your partner finds the pictures attractive on a purely physical level.
  • Social pressure: Your partner may feel pressured to conform to societal expectations of what is considered attractive or desirable. Many people are influenced by media and advertisements that often feature images of scantily clad models.
  • Escape: Social media can provide a form of escape from the stress and boredom of everyday life. Your partner may be using images as a way to relax and escape from their problems.
  • Insecurity: Your partner may have some insecurities or doubts about their own attractiveness. Looking at pictures of attractive individuals can temporarily boost their self-esteem.

It is important to remember that everyone is different and there may be other reasons why your partner likes these pictures. The best way to understand your partner's motivations is to have an open and honest conversation with them.

Communication is the key, as cliché as it sounds

It's understandable that you might feel upset, hurt or disrespected if your partner likes other naked girls on Instagram or Facebook. In a relationship, it's important to set boundaries and communicate openly and honestly about what behaviour is and isn't acceptable. If your partner's behaviour is causing you distress, it is important to communicate your feelings and concerns calmly and respectfully. It is possible that your partner has not realized the impact of their actions and may be willing to change their behaviour to make you feel more comfortable and secure in the relationship.

Ultimately, the key to a healthy relationship is open and honest communication and mutual respect. It is important to discuss your feelings with your partner and find a solution together that will suit both of you.

If you communicate openly and honestly with your partner, you will be able to understand their behaviour and how you feel about it. Here are some steps you can take to resolve this situation:

  1. Express your concerns: Let your partner know that this behaviour makes you uncomfortable and that it makes you feel disrespected or insecure.
  2. Listen to their point of view: Try to understand why your partner likes these pictures. It's possible that they don't realize how it affects you, or that they have a different view of what is acceptable behavior in a relationship.
  3. Set boundaries: Discuss what behaviour is and isn't acceptable in your relationship. For example, you might agree that it's not okay for your partner to like other people's nude pictures when he's in a committed and loyal relationship with you.
  4. Work together to find a solution: It is important to find a solution that works for both of you. It may mean that your partner will adjust their behaviour or find ways to feel more secure and respected in the relationship.

Ultimately, the key to solving this problem is open and honest communication. By working together to understand each other's perspectives and needs, you can find a way to move forward in a healthy and supportive way. Do not throw away your relationship immediately after the first failure.


PhDr. Ivana Čergeťová, PhD., LL.M., MBA, PCIC

I am a psychologist, NLP coach, attachment-based therapist, career counselor, and academic staff. I have been dedicated to the attachment theory in personal and work settings for over 20 years. I work on this topic not only as a counselor but also as a researcher. Meeting with me can help you if you are seeking an expert in mental health specializing in relationships, communication, and personal development. For more information, follow my social networks @radipsychologicka #attachment #relationships #love #attachment #JoinMeForAdvice #relationshiptherapist #development