The modern breakup has evolved beyond the physical realm, now encompassing a complex digital disentanglement, according to an essay by Esme Gordon-Craig. This digital separation often involves navigating location-sharing applications, a practice that has become normalized among many, including friends and even celebrities.
Gordon-Craig describes a personal experience where, after ending a relationship, she found herself checking her ex-boyfriend's location via the 'Find My' app. This behavior, she notes, stems from a broader societal trend where continuous digital connection, including location tracking, is increasingly common. She recounts how, during the relationship, sharing locations was seen as convenient, simplifying logistics and adding a perceived layer of ease to their interactions.
However, the end of the relationship introduced a new layer of complexity. Deciding whether to continue tracking an ex or to remove them from location-sharing apps presents a significant challenge. Gordon-Craig explains the difficulty in letting go of the final digital connection to a former partner, even when aware of potential mental health implications. She also cites a desire to appear indifferent to the breakup, leading to a reluctance to signal the severance of this digital tie.
This digital continuation can prolong the pain of a breakup, serving as a constant reminder of the ex-partner's presence. Despite this realization, Gordon-Craig admits that the practice persists, often fueled by the reciprocal nature of location sharing. The essay highlights how apps like 'Find My' and Snapchat's 'Snap Map' are frequently used by friends and even couples, suggesting a widespread adoption of these technologies for monitoring the whereabouts of loved ones and, in some cases, former partners.