Social Media Passwords and Your Significant Other

Social media has become a big part of our lives with various people on various platforms for completely different reasons. When it comes to relationships, social media can often present unique challenges. Should you be friends with an ex? Like a pretty woman’s photo? How about share your social media passwords with your significant other?

spoke to some young people about the importance of respect and privacy in their relationships…

John Kambinda says he doesn’t see any reason why his spouse shouldn’t have the passwords to his various social media accounts.

“After all, the reason why we decided to be in a committed relationship was because we realised that we could trust one another,” said Kambinda.

He cautioned that couples should take time to get to know each other before deciding to be in a committed relationship as he believes it means being in a union. This in turn allows couples to share everything because their interests are the same.

“Letting your partner know your password could be of great benefit. It can save you in time of trouble or unforeseen circumstances,” he said, adding that it is a matter of convenience because his wife can access his emails or messages on Facebook when he cannot.

Kambinda believes that the reason people do not want to share their passwords with their partners is because they are engaged in unjust activities such as unfaithfulness.

“Most people do so because society has made people believe that, as a person, even in a committed relationship, you still need your privacy and to not let anyone control you or a woman should not involve herself in her man’s affairs and so forth,” added Kambinda.

However, Kambinda believes that giving your password to your partner does not mean they now become administrator to your accounts, but it’s simply a gesture to show your partner that you love and respect them, and you have nothing to hide.

“Even in a committed relationship, I believe it advisable to only access your partner’s social media accounts when it is necessary. Ask for permission or notify them when you have accessed their accounts.”

Hilia Johannes, who defines a committed relationship as a serious and lasting romantic relationship with someone, maintains that it has become a trend for young people to express their affection for each other by sharing their passwords to their emails, Facebook and other accounts.

“Boyfriends and girlfriends sometimes create similar passwords, and let each other read their private emails and messages,” said Johannes, adding that one does not have to be married to be in a committed relationship.

Nads Nadeerah believes that people in a committed relationship should be open, transparent with each other and should not have a problem sharing their passwords. “People should discard dishonest tendencies before committing to a relationship. Because if you are honest, I do not see why you should not share your passwords to your social networks accounts with your partner,” said Nadeerah.

Henock Yakasita said that his partner can have his passwords because he has no affairs with other women and he does not see the need to go through his partner’s private messages.

“If I feel insecure, I will just stop the relationship and move on. A woman will always be ‘proposed’ by other men but women in committed relationships value their relationships and reject those proposals.”

On the other hand, Laz Kolain believes that entitlement does not exist in a relationship. Kolain said that even in a committed relationship, people are still unique individuals with full privileges to privacy.

“Entitlement only exists in an imaginary world. We can be a couple but it does not mean we get to share everything and our union should not be based on having access to my social media passwords.”

Antony Muuba is of the opinion that people should enjoy their privacy, stating that commitment does not mean unlimited access to everything. “Privacy is a sensitive bill of right and people should be allowed to exercise this right regardless of their relationship status,” said Muuba.

Kalitheni Henok Angombe believes when it comes to security and privacy, he does not have to compromise so even if he is in a committed relationship, he keeps his password confidential.

“That is why it is a password in the first place. I believe I do not have to share confidential information with my partner for her to trust me; I simply just have to be me,” Angombe concluded.

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