Do you trust your significant other with your passwords? Is there anything on your social media account you would rather they didn’t see? 38% of respondents in a new study say they don’t feel comfortable about a current partner having access to personal accounts like Facebook and Instagram.
The research, conducted by mobile phone insurance provider Better Buy Insurance, has analysed the habits, preferences and fears of Brits in relationships, as well as those who have recently broken up.
The figures also tell us that the majority don’t trust an ex-partner not to access their social media accounts. 65% of those surveyed say they change their passwords after breaking up.
Becky from Manchester says he wishes she’d changed her password following a recent break-up with a boyfriend.
“My ex knew my passwords to everything and when we broke up he was logging onto my Facebook and Instagram, and unfriending and unfollowing pretty much every boy I had on there,” said Becky.
“I only found out because my friends asked me why I had unfriended them, when I knew I hadn’t.
“I had a hunch it was him, so I confronted him, and he said he did it because he didn’t want me speaking to them.
“He was on my Instagram and Facebook accounts, snooping and reading all my messages, and deleting everyone for about a month before I realised.”
Meanwhile, more than four in ten 18 to 34-year-olds (41%) say they’ve regretted sharing passwords in a relationship, compared to just 5% of those over 55, while 30% of 18 to 34-year-olds say they have used a partner’s passwords without their knowledge, compared to just 1% of those over 55.
The data also tells us that we become less interested in our partners’ passwords as relationships develop. 36% of those who have been in a relationship for a less than a month think it’s important to share passwords, compared to just 9% of people who have been in a relationship for more than ten years.
Responding to the results, relationships coach Ben Edwards said: “My advice is that if you feel comfortable sharing passwords with your partner, or leaving accounts logged in on shared devices, then go ahead!
“However, sharing passwords isn't a necessity. Trust is a fundamental part of any partnership and your relationship should incorporate a degree of honesty and intimacy that ultimately makes password sharing unnecessary.
“If you feel the need to share passwords with a partner, perhaps you should consider why you think it's essential; it may reflect a deeper issue.
“If, for this reason or any other, you feel uncomfortable sharing passwords, I recommend you be upfront and honest about the reasons why.
“Good communication is key in a relationship and you may just find that this strengthens your bond more than sharing passwords would.”
More info: betterbuyinsurance.co.uk
