Narcissists and Smartphone Privacy: When Trust Cannot Be Assumed
Introduction
Do you ever wonder if your partner or ex-partner might be checking through your phone?
Understanding Narcissistic Behavior
Narcissists, by nature, are inclined to pry into others' personal matters. This behavior can extend to monitoring phone activities, a practice often referred to as phone snooping. According to a study, such actions stem from their self-centered nature and the need to maintain control and dominance in relationships.
Real-Life Experiences
In one instance, a user described how their partner would check their phone multiple times before the user set a passcode. "Yep. Caught mine going through my phone several times until I put a passcode on it. They will snoop through your things trying to dig something up on you," they said.
The problem lies in the ease with which these individuals can access and manipulate personal information. Even after changing a lock screen code, a narcissist can memorize numbers to gain entry. The user changed the code to a phrase that was known only to a high school friend, but the experience still left a lasting impact, as evidenced by how many invalid attempts it took before the phone locked out.
Consequences of Invasions of Privacy
Another user shared a story about their ex-partner's invasive behavior. The ex-partner would read every text, email, and social media message while the user was sleeping, infringing on their privacy without any suspicion that they might be reading through personal spaces.
Privacy not only affects personal communication but also diary-like content, such as email exchanges about health issues. Once, when the user's new phone started experiencing issues, a technician suspected that the phone had a tracker installed, which resulted in a refusal to return the device.
Litany Against Invasions of Trust
It is not advisable for you to check your partner's phone for the same reason you wouldn't have them check yours.
Legal and Emotional Implications
When a partner does go through your phone, it can lead to severe emotional and legal consequences. In a case cited, the user felt so traumatized that even seven months after the relationship ended, they were still hesitant to use their phone frequently.
Verbal abuse, in the case of another user, often leads to a situation where a partner hands over the phone. This is a clear sign that trust has been broken and violated.
Conclusion
Watching someone through the lens of a smartphone can be a significant breach of trust. It is crucial to maintain privacy and respect for personal boundaries, especially in the digital age when such breaches can be easily accomplished. If you suspect your partner is snooping, deep legal and psychological consequences might await.
When dealing with trust issues, it is best to communicate openly and seek professional advice to navigate these complex situations.