Revealed: Why some Facebook users spy on romantic partners

According to a new study, some young lovers are increasingly monitoring their partners and boast about their relationships on the social networking site.

Look closely at your partner's recent Facebook behaviour to find out if he is spying on you. According to a new study, some young lovers are increasingly monitoring their partners and boast about their relationships on the social networking site.

Stop-before-you-post-your-sexy-images-on-Facebook

"Facebook users in romantic relationships are more likely to use the social networking site to post photos and affectionate comments on their partner's wall," said researchers from the Pennsylvania-based Albright College.

Neurotics are more likely to use Facebook to monitor their partner and to brag about their relationship, they found.

During the study, the team analysed users with romantic relationships about their Facebook behaviours and motivations.

The participants were measured against personality traits like openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness and neuroticism.

"Individuals high in Relationship Contingent Self-Esteem (RCSE) -- an unhealthy form of self-esteem that depends on the outcome of one's relationship status -- are more likely to engage in such activities," explained Gwendolyn Seidman, an assistant professor of psychology at the Albright College.

These people face a big blow to their self-esteem than those with lower levels of RCSE, he added.

A neurotic person uses the social networking site to reduce their fears of rejection and anxiety within the relationship, the study concluded.