Facebook’s relationship status feature has been around for over a decade, allowing users to broadcast their romantic situation to friends and family. The familiar “Single,” “In a Relationship,” and “Married” options dominate most users’ profiles. However, in recent years, a new status has been gaining traction – “In an Open Relationship.” So does this mean Facebook is embracing non-monogamy? Let’s take a closer look.
What is the “In an Open Relationship” status?
The “In an Open Relationship” status indicates that a user is in a romantic partnership with one person, but both partners have agreed that they can date or have sexual relationships with other people too. Sometimes called ethical non-monogamy, open relationships are a form of consensual non-exclusivity. This contrasts with cheating, where non-exclusivity breaks rules or vows.
Open relationships come in many forms. Some open relationships allow all activities with others, while some have rules about what’s allowed. The key factors are communication, consent, and transparency between the primary partners.
When did Facebook add this option?
Facebook introduced “In an Open Relationship” as a status option in February 2009. It rolled out quietly and sparked some debate at the time. Prior to this, users in open relationships had to choose “In a Relationship” and clarify their situation in the details section.
Adding the non-monogamous status option was part of Facebook’s efforts to provide relationship status choices that reflected how diverse relationships really are. Other new options like “In a Civil Union” and “In a Domestic Partnership” were added at the same time.
How common is the “In an Open Relationship” status?
It’s difficult to track exactly how many Facebook users declare themselves “In an Open Relationship.” A look at sites that interpret Facebook relationship data suggests somewhere between 1% and 3% of coupled Facebook users choose the open status.
However, this is likely an undercount. Studies indicate open relationships are practiced by about 4-5% of Americans. But stigma around non-monogamy may prevent some users from publicly posting the status.
Is the status more common for certain demographics?
Research into open relationships shows some demographic groups are more likely to practice consensual non-monogamy:
- Younger adults – People under 40 are more open to non-traditional arrangements than older generations.
- Urban residents – People in large metropolitan areas tend to hold more progressive views on sexuality and relationships.
- LGBTQ couples – Same-sex and gender non-conforming couples have higher rates of open relationship arrangements.
- Higher income and education – People of higher socioeconomic status are more likely to engage in open relationships.
However, open relationships can be found across all demographics – age, geography, gender, orientation and socioeconomic levels. Non-monogamous arrangements are diverse.
Why do people choose “In an Open Relationship?”
There are many motivations for choosing an open relationship model, including:
- Sexual freedom – The ability to enjoy sexual or romantic variety while preserving a core partnership.
- Unmet needs – One partner seeking emotional or sexual satisfaction the primary relationship cannot provide.
- Scheduling – Accommodating mismatched libidos in an otherwise happy relationship.
- Orientation – Bisexual people maintaining relationships with both genders.
- Curiosity – Exploring relationship alternatives before committing long-term.
- Honesty – Revealing the true nature of non-exclusive relationships rather than “cheating.”
The open status allows couples to clarify the real nature of their relationship and set expectations. Communication and consent are key.
How do people react to the “Open Relationship” status?
Reactions to open relationship declarations run the gamut from:
- Positive – Acceptance, support, or appreciation for the couple’s honesty.
- Neutral – Indifference regarding others’ consensual relationship choices.
- Judgmental – Disapproval of non-traditional relationships they view as immoral or unstable.
- Confused – Unfamiliarity with ethical non-monogamy and how it differs from cheating.
- Curious – Interest in asking questions and understanding open relationships better.
Some users in open relationships feel hesitant to display their status publicly due to stigmatizing reactions. But increased visibility of consensually non-monogamous relationships helps combat stereotypes.
Does an open status mean the primary relationship is weak?
There’s a mistaken assumption that open relationships indicate an unsatisfying or unhealthy primary partnership. In fact, studies show open relationships have similar relationship satisfaction, intimacy, trust, and commitment levels as monogamous couples.
Choosing an open arrangement is not evidence of problems in the foundational relationship. Many open couples have strong core bond but simply enjoy intimacy with other people as well.
Can open relationships last long-term?
Absolutely. Open relationships can last for years or decades when practiced ethically. Some keys to success include:
- Clear communication about wants, needs, and boundaries.
- Regular check-ins to discuss what’s working and what’s not.
- Honoring primary partner time and emotional connection.
- Ensuring outside relationships remain casual.
- Suspending open status if challenges arise.
Studies indicate open couples do break up more than monogamous pairs. But many open relationships transform into happy long-term or life partnerships.
Do social media friends care about relationship status?
In the era of oversharing on social platforms, users debate how much relationship information they should broadcast. For those pondering an “In an Open Relationship” status, here are factors to consider:
- Close friends will likely appreciate relationship transparency, but more distant connections may judge.
- Younger contacts care less about status details than older generations.
- Using privacy settings to limit status visibility may feel dishonest to some.
- Images and posts with outside partners can stir jealousy and drama.
- The open status invites questions, so prepare for discussions.
- List as single if a status update feels socially risky right now.
Ultimately, each person must weigh their priorities and decide which profile relationship status optimizes openness versus privacy.
Is Facebook promoting open relationships?
While Facebook has made consensual non-monogamy more visible via relationship status options, the platform remains quite traditional overall. Consider:
- Monogamous statuses like “Married” and “In a Relationship” are displayed more prominently.
- Algorithms emphasize showing family connections over non-traditional partners.
- Ad policies forbid promoting polyamory or open relationships.
- The site architecture revolves around one singular romantic relationship.
Facebook’s acknowledgment of open relationships is one small step towards recognition. But traditional social norms still dominate the platform’s design.
Does an open status undermine commitment?
The concern is declaring an open relationship status trivializes the primary partnership and discourages investing fully. But consider:
- Open relationship partners can be deeply committed with long-term cohabitation, marriage, parenting, shared finances, etc.
- Status options like “It’s complicated” or “Separated” suggest easier outs, yet aren’t judged as harshly.
- Cheating contradicts commitment far more than transparently open relationships do.
- For some, openly dating others strengthens appreciation for their anchor partner.
In practice, open relationships require high levels of communication, trust, and security in the core bond. The status symbolizes, not sabotages, commitment.
Does an open status mean endless casual sex?
While open relationships commonly include some sexual activity outside the primary partnership, the reality is more nuanced:
- Open relationships may not involve extramarital sex at all.
- Partners might engage sexually but also form close friendships.
- Rules often limit outside sexual frequency and emotional intimacy.
- Open status periods alternate with monogamous periods for some couples.
- Casual sex declines naturally with age as libido ebbs.
In practice, mature open relationships tend to emphasize quality over quantity and depth over casual connections.
Do displays of open status promote acceptance?
Relationship visibility in social media spaces has complex effects:
- Open status displays help combat assumptions that all couples are monogamous.
- Seeing open relationships in media promotes awareness and social legitimacy.
- But openly non-monogamous couples risk judgment, harassment, and discrimination.
- Normalizing open relationships takes time as progressive views spread gradually.
- Younger generations are more open as sexual diversity becomes ingrained earlier.
While open status visibility has costs, each person living authentically makes non-conformity safer for others. Change requires bravery.
Are users comfortable sharing their status publicly?
Displaying an open relationship status presents a personal choice about vulnerability versus privacy. Factors influencing comfort include:
- How much details individuals prefer to share about intimate relationships.
- Whether conservative family will see the status and react negatively.
- If open status comports with the user’s professional brand as others perceive it.
- How receptive the user’s geographic area is towards non-traditional relationships.
- Concern about being targeted for harassment or discrimination.
There are no right or wrong choices. Each user must decide what feels authentic while evaluating their cultural context.
Conclusion
Facebook’s “In an Open Relationship” option reveals a more nuanced landscape of modern love. Although non-monogamy remains outside the mainstream, open relationships work well for a sizable minority. Ethical non-monogamy deserves understanding and social legitimacy.
Ultimately, the open status symbolizes honesty over deception, consent over betrayal, and human complexity over simplistic assumptions. Just as social acceptance of same-sex relationships has grown, societal views toward consensual non-monogamy can – and likely will – evolve over time. But impatience for change is understandable too.
For those already openly living their truths as individuals and couples, know that your visibility and vulnerability help pave the way for others. As culture evolves, more people will feel empowered to express themselves without fear of judgment or exclusion. Progress is gradual, but each declaration of open status represents one small step forward in embracing the real diversity of how humans experience love.