Is it possible to get along with everyone? The answer is no. But today, arguments aren’t about shouting or slamming doors anymore — it’s all a quiet game of follows and likes. The modern version of “I’m not speaking to you anymore”? Simple: I unfollow you.
As Joan Didion once wrote: “We were destined to be, to some extent, public people, even to each other.” And in 2025, that also means you have to like my post — otherwise, you’re invisible. Or worse: an enemy.
The script is always the same: something bothers someone (no one knows exactly what), resentment brews, and then comes the first move — “unfollow.” If the disappointment runs deep, then it’s time for a full-on social cleanse: delete photos, remove tags, erase all digital traces. But the most powerful move is still the same: total silence. No likes, no comments, no interactions. Social mutism as the ultimate weapon. And it doesn’t matter if the person is an old friend, someone you shared nights out, parties, or secrets with. That person didn’t like your post.
Unforgivable social-drama
We’re not talking about cyberbullying, hate speech, or revenge porn — those are serious issues that can’t be solved with a simple “block.” What we’re talking about are the micro-offenses of the feed: like “they didn’t repost the story I tagged them in,” or “they didn’t like my latest photo even though I reacted to ALL of theirs.” Crazy? No. These are the unwritten rules of a new relational etiquette.
And the people on the receiving end of these “oversights”? They take it badly. Badly. Because nowadays, a like means more than a phone call. It’s “I see you,” “I’m here,” “I care.”
And if it doesn’t come? Betrayal.
After all, social friendship is made of invisible alliances and digital loyalties. If you’re not boosting me in the algorithm, you’re against me. End of story. And this goes for real-life friends just as much as virtual ones. It’s a democratic principle — no exceptions.
Then some try to defend themselves: “Oh no, I didn’t see the notification!”, “I was out, I swear!”, “Your story flashed by in a second!” Excuses? For some, yes. For others, tragedy. Because let’s be honest: if Instagram shows you who viewed your story, it’s not just for fun. It’s meant to be used properly. So you, my dear friend who doesn’t view, doesn’t like, doesn’t follow the way you should, not only are you not a real friend, but you’re hurting me. Yep.
And so we end up having silent arguments, mutually deleting each other, pretending we’re above it all while analyzing every single move like FBI agents on a case.
But how do you end the Cold War and make peace? You could send a message, a voice note to explain, or crack a joke to ease the tension. Respond like a human being. Or — brace yourself — make a phone call. Or even braver: talk face-to-face. But no. Better to just unfollow, preemptively.
Wouldn’t want to seem out of touch, right?
What’s the point in talking it out when unfollowing — not just anyone, but a real-life friend — is fast, trendy, and feels so… final?
Maybe we think losing a friendship over something so trivial isn’t the end of the world. Not a tragedy. Not history in the making. But it’s still ugly. Yes, ugly. And a little sad, too.
Like putting the wrong filter on a photo that was already perfect.