The phenomenon of individuals encountered within the “People You May Know” feature on Facebook engaging in unwelcome or intrusive observation of a user’s profile is a growing concern. This behavior encompasses activities like repeatedly viewing profile content, monitoring posts and interactions, and gathering information beyond what is publicly shared or deemed acceptable by social norms. For instance, someone consistently viewing a user’s photos or checking their location tags, without any direct interaction, could be interpreted as an example of this.
The importance of recognizing this issue stems from the potential for privacy violations and psychological distress. Increased awareness allows users to adjust their privacy settings, limit their online footprint, and exercise caution in accepting friend requests from unfamiliar individuals. Historically, the development of social media platforms has broadened opportunities for connection, but also presented avenues for unwanted attention and potential harassment.