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Social media trend uses staged photos to imply companionship
Psychologists are highlighting a growing social media phenomenon known as the ‘invisible couple,’ where users curate images to imply they are in a relationship when they are actually alone. This practice involves using carefully constructed scenography—such as setting a table with two wine glasses or photographing a landscape from a specific angle—to leave subtle clues that prompt viewers to complete the story of companionship.
Anna Maria Giannini, a psychology professor at Sapienza University of Rome, explains that these images are not accidental but are tools used to build and communicate a specific identity. By showing hints of a partner without explicitly revealing them, individuals can convey a message of ‘non-solitude’ and generate curiosity among their followers. This trend demonstrates how private life is increasingly used as a staged instrument for digital identity construction across platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Telegram.
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Adnkronos · Anna Maria Giannini · Instagram · Sapienza University of Rome · Telegram · TikTok