Opinion: Facebook relationship ‘ask’ button is tacky, awkward

Melissa Prax
Wed, 21 May 2014 04:44:59 +0000
Opinion, dating, facebook, social media

Facebook allows users to ‘ask’ their Facebook friends about information such as workplaces, phone numbers and relationship statuses.
Credit: Screenshot of Facebook

I do not change my relationship status on Facebook. This nugget of information is tucked away under my private settings.

Facebook does not validate my relationships.

I respect the option, especially for those in long-term relationships, but I have found it an unnecessary announcement for my own profile.

Currently, Facebook offers 11 different relationship status choices, ranging from “single” to “it’s complicated.”

But a new feature has been added for those who, like me, do not freely display their relationship: an “ask” button.

A person’s Facebook friends can request his or her relationship status by clicking on the ask button on his or her Facebook timeline.

After the button is clicked, a box appears that gives the option of sending a message along with the request to explain why the person is asking about the relationship status.

Once the request is bravely sent, the recipient can respond by checking a bubble from one of the 11 Facebook relationship status options.

Even worse, they can also decide to share that information privately or publicly.

The only positive of this feature is that it will save time when creeping on the person’s profile.

Facebook had already included an ask button for information such as phone numbers and email addresses, but this new ask button might be a new, clever way to get a crush’s phone number.

Facebook might be using this as a new way to spice up its site or compete with popular dating websites and mobile apps such as Tinder.

I cannot imagine anyone using this seriously.

This is a feature I would use as a joke, to tease my independent friends who “don’t need a man to validate them,” or my perpetually single guy friends.

This newest form of Facebook flirtation is only a slight upgrade from the “poke” feature, but is just as tacky and awkward.