Scrolling through endless pictures of seemingly perfect couples has become part of daily life for millions. But while social media often celebrates romance, mental health experts are warning that it may also be fuelling a lesser-known condition that leaves people trapped in relentless doubt about their relationships.
Known as Relationship Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (ROCD), the condition can cause sufferers to question everything from whether they truly love their partner to whether they might suddenly cheat or end the relationship against their own wishes. Specialists say social media's unrealistic portrayal of romance can intensify these intrusive thoughts, making it increasingly difficult for some people to separate anxiety from reality.
Why Experts Believe Social Media Can Trigger ROCD
Unlike ordinary relationship uncertainty, ROCD is a recognised form of obsessive compulsive disorder in which intrusive thoughts become focused on a romantic relationship.
Rather than occasional doubts, sufferers experience repetitive, unwanted thoughts that dominate their day and trigger compulsive behaviours, including constantly seeking reassurance, analysing their emotions or repeatedly testing their partner.
Professor Guy Doron, a clinical psychologist at Reichman University who has spent more than a decade researching ROCD, believes social media has added another layer of pressure.
'Social media can definitely be triggering for people with ROCD because it romanticises love and can make them doubt their own relationship,' he said.
Constant exposure to engagement announcements, romantic holidays and viral videos portraying 'perfect' couples can create unrealistic expectations, leaving vulnerable individuals questioning whether their own relationship measures up.
Fear Of Cheating Or Leaving A Loved One
For 24-year-old Sophia from Leeds, those intrusive thoughts became overwhelming despite being happy with her boyfriend.
Speaking to BBC, she recalled, 'I couldn't leave the house because I was so worried I would cheat on my boyfriend.'
The fear became so intense that everyday activities felt impossible.
'At my worst, I couldn't go to work. I'd be lying in bed all day, asking ChatGPT hundreds of questions to try to get reassurance.'
Sophia stressed that the thoughts did not reflect what she wanted.
'My brain would be shouting at me to break up with him, even though I knew that's not what I wanted to do,' she said.
She described living with ROCD as 'mental torture', explaining that it constantly attacked the relationship she valued most.
How Relationship OCD Differs From Normal Doubts
Mental health professionals emphasise that questioning a relationship from time to time is completely normal. ROCD, however, is different because the thoughts become persistent, distressing and difficult to control.
Professor David Veale, consultant psychiatrist at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, explained that the condition can consume enormous amounts of mental energy.
'It can take hours of mental energy and cause a lot of anxiety, whereas in a normal relationship these thoughts don't dominate your day,' he said.
Relationship OCD generally falls into two categories. One centres on doubts about the relationship itself, while the other focuses on perceived flaws in a partner. Both can lead sufferers into endless cycles of overthinking and reassurance-seeking.
Comparison Culture Is Making Matters Worse
Experts say today's digital culture makes escaping those obsessive thoughts even harder. Social media algorithms continually present carefully edited relationships that appear effortless, reinforcing the belief that genuine love should always feel certain and uncomplicated.
For Gracie, a 24-year-old mental health charity worker from Bristol, it is often relationship advice online rather than photographs that proves most difficult.
Phrases such as 'when you know, you know' leave her questioning whether she is with the right person.
'We can be having a nice time, but in my head I'll be freaking out wondering if he's the one — it's exhausting,' she said.
She believes many people misunderstand the condition.
'It's the opposite. OCD often targets the thing that matters the most to a person. It can make you feel hopeless and like an awful person.'
Who Is Most At Risk?
Although anyone can develop ROCD, experts say certain life events can trigger symptoms.
Moving in together, becoming engaged, getting married or entering a serious relationship may all intensify intrusive thoughts because they involve greater emotional commitment.
People who are naturally prone to anxiety, perfectionism or excessive overthinking may also be more vulnerable, while previous relationship experiences can influence how someone responds to uncertainty.
Although OCD affects around 1.2 per cent of the UK population, Relationship OCD is not recorded separately, making it difficult to determine exactly how many people are affected.
Breaking The Cycle
Experts stress that ROCD is a treatable mental health condition rather than evidence that a relationship is failing. Sophia and Gracie have both used cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and medication to help manage their symptoms, while learning about ROCD enabled them to recognise intrusive thoughts instead of accepting them as reality.
Professor Doron also advises people to avoid repeatedly testing their partner or constantly seeking reassurance, as these behaviours can reinforce the obsessive cycle. Reducing time spent comparing relationships on social media may also help lessen anxiety.
Mental health charity OCD Action recommends speaking to a GP if intrusive thoughts begin interfering with everyday life.
Ultimately, experts say the flawless relationships dominating social media feeds rarely reflect reality. Understanding that ROCD is driven by anxiety—not by a lack of love—may be the first step towards breaking the cycle and seeking appropriate support.
