Are you in a digital situationship? Here are all the signs you can't ignore!

New forms of dating and relationships are emerging every day, and with most of us glued to our phones, we're seeing the rise of digital situationships. It’s just like a regular situationship—where a romantic or intimate connection lacks clear definition and commitment—but this one exists entirely in the virtual world. While dating apps, social media, and instant messaging have allowed relationships to thrive and create a sense of closeness, they (much like most things in life) come with their own set of unique challenges. On one hand, there’s a heightened sense of emotional intimacy; on the other, there’s the potential for misunderstandings and unfulfilled expectations.

If you think you might be in a digital situationship, here are some signs to look out for.

All your interactions take place online

Your entire connection exists through texts, DMs, emails, or video calls. There are no in-person meet-ups or phone calls, and there are always excuses when you suggest meeting them in real life, making it feel like they’re intentionally keeping things virtual.

They’re always “typing” but they hardly say much

You always see them online, "typing" for a long time, but responses are vague, generic, or don’t take the conversation forward in any way. It often feels like they’re deliberately stalling or unsure of what to say next.

They avoid video calls

They prefer texting over face-to-face interaction, even digitally. If they do video calls, it’s always short, or they avoid turning on their camera, claiming bad lighting, or just being “camera shy.”

Their social media profile don’t match their stories

Their social media feels made-up, inconsistent, or, in some cases empty. They might speak to you in detail and share some personal stories, but their online presence doesn’t back it up—there are no photos, real-time updates, or interactions with friends.

Their online availability isn’t consistent

Signs of this are them being online at odd hours, disappearing for days, or only replying sporadically—often with vague excuses about being busy (they mention travelling or working odd hours). When you ask them about this, they never give a straight answer, change the topic or brush it off. Their availability seems unpredictable, yet they somehow always have time for other online activities.

You never see spontaneous or ‘In the moment” updates

They never send you real-time pictures or videos, and their responses seem delayed as if they’re scripted. If you ask for a quick selfie or a live update, they find an excuse to avoid it.

They’re active on social media but don’t engage with you

Sending memes and reels and tagging each other in posts is a great way to talk throughout the day. But this doesn’t happen in a digital situationship. While they post stories and updates and interact with others, they’ll never acknowledge you. There will be absolutely no likes or comments on your photos and reels. Even if you tag them or try to engage, they ignore it or subtly remove any trace of connection.

They do not share their contact details

They don’t give you their phone number, personal email, or any direct way to reach them outside of a specific app or platform. If you suggest moving to another form of communication, they resist or make excuses about privacy concerns.

You haven’t met their friends/family, even virtually

In digital relationships, people at least introduce their friends, colleagues and family via video calls or social media interactions. If they avoid this completely, they’re keeping you isolated, which could be a red flag that they’re not being fully honest about their life.

They don’t want to meet you even in a digital space

Even if they claim distance is an issue, they still refuse simple virtual dates like watching a movie together online or playing games. No matter how easy or low-effort the activity is, they always find a reason to decline or delay it.

Lead image: Netflix

Also read: Here's how you know it's time to end a situationship

Also read: How to turn a situationship into a real relationship

Also read: I stayed in a situationship for way too long and here’s what I learnt

Also read: Everyone knows situationships suck so why do we still fall for it?

Also read: Signs your situationship is never turning into a relationship