We all do it, tracking friends, rivals or crushes on social media. You fish out an old school mate’s Facebook timeline to see how much better their life has become compared to yours; pore over an ex’s Instagram posts to check if he or she has found someone new; even a frenemy can become a social media obsession. As a fellow harmless stalker, I can’t judge, accept to say social media has really made many of us adept at obsessing over other people’s lives. Below are phases you which you go through as you keep your eye on that person of interest… or so I’ve heard. Which phase are you in?

Harmless fun

Tracking them on every social media site to see how they live, who they interact with. You’re just browsing through their profiles, no harm done, even if it is for hours.

Darn it – privacy settings!

Friend requesting them on Facebook or following them on Twitter or Instagram. They have no idea who you are, and you hope it stays that way so you can keep track of their lives in peace.

You’re getting even braver

… and a little creepier. You know your friend is Facebook friends with your crush. Better still is the fact that she has her log-in details saved, so when she’s not looking you can browse their timelines.

You’re getting hotter

Now you’re in the code red of cyber fixation. Like a friend who told me he created a whole new account, using an image he’d found of a handsome man to increase his chances of his friend requests being accepted.

 It’s official, you’re a stalker

When you watch their updates to find out where they’ve checked in. If they’re at the university rugby field, you can be there. You might need to speak to a friend about your problem – or a professional.

Twitter: @Ink_Sane_