Feeling that nagging suspicion about your girlfriend’s Instagram activity? Let’s talk about a sensitive but increasingly common concern in relationships today – monitoring Instagram follows. While the urge to check is understandable, we need to have an honest discussion about trust, privacy, and healthy relationship boundaries.
Why We Feel Compelled to Check
I get it – social media has made it incredibly easy to wonder about our partner’s online interactions. That notification showing a new follow can trigger anxiety, especially late at night. But before we dive into the technical “how-to,” let’s pause and reflect on what’s driving that impulse to monitor.
The Technical Reality
While Instagram does show recent following activity, the platform has actually made it harder to track this information in 2025. The “Following” tab was removed years ago specifically to protect user privacy. Current workarounds like third-party apps often violate Instagram’s terms of service and can compromise account security.
What You Can Still See
– Public following lists
– Mutual followers
– Account interactions (likes, comments)
– Tagged photos
Having the Harder Conversation
Instead of seeking ways to monitor your girlfriend’s activity, consider:
1. Opening up about your feelings of insecurity
2. Having an honest discussion about boundaries and expectations
3. Working on building mutual trust
4. Seeking relationship counseling if trust issues persist
A Better Path Forward
I’ve counseled many couples struggling with social media trust issues. The ones who thrive focus on strengthening their connection rather than surveillance. If you’re feeling the need to check her follows, that’s actually valuable information about your relationship that deserves attention.
Remember, healthy relationships are built on trust, not tracking. Instead of asking “How can I monitor her?”, try asking “How can we build more trust together?”
Practical Steps for Building Trust
– Schedule regular check-ins about your relationship
– Share passwords by mutual agreement, not demand
– Respect privacy boundaries
– Focus on quality time together offline
– Address insecurities through open communication
The urge to monitor social media often masks deeper relationship concerns. While it’s technically possible to track Instagram activity, the better investment is in honest communication and trust-building. Your relationship deserves that kind of care and attention.
Remember, if you’re constantly worried about who your partner follows online, that’s less about Instagram and more about underlying trust issues that deserve proper attention. Let’s focus on building relationships strong enough that we don’t need to check social media for reassurance.
