Social media has become a space where we share the highlights of our lives—vacations, achievements, even our everyday musings.

But sometimes, it feels like someone is watching a little too closely.

A comment from someone you barely know on a photo you posted months ago, or a follow request from an account that just doesn’t feel right.

The digital world can blur boundaries in ways we don’t always notice right away.

If you’ve ever wondered whether someone is keeping tabs on you a little too intently, you’re not alone.

Let’s talk about the subtle signs that might indicate someone has been stalking you on social media—and how you can protect yourself while staying connected.

1) Unfamiliar friend requests

In the vast expanse of social media, it’s not uncommon to receive friend requests from strangers.

However, if you’re repeatedly getting requests from unfamiliar accounts, especially ones with little to no mutual friends, it might be a subtle sign of stalking.

This is particularly true if the requests come from accounts that seem suspicious – those with very few posts or followers, or with an unusually high number of following.

As a psychologist, I’ve seen this pattern emerge in cases of social media stalking.

It’s often a stalker’s attempt to get closer access to your personal posts and updates.

Stay vigilant and don’t accept requests without proper vetting. It’s better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your online privacy.

2) Mysterious likes and comments

One day, I posted a picture from a trip I took a few years back.

It was buried deep in my profile, so I was surprised when it received a new like.

Curious, I checked out the profile of the person who liked it. To my surprise, it was someone I didn’t know, and we had no mutual connections.

The like felt out of place and raised a red flag.

Likes or comments on old posts can be a subtle sign of stalking. It means someone has been scrolling through your profile extensively, digging into your past.

Keep an eye out for this kind of activity, especially from people you don’t know or barely know.

It’s a hint that someone might be watching your online activities a little too closely.

3) Regular profile visits

Some social media platforms, like LinkedIn, have a feature where you can see who’s been viewing your profile.

If you notice the same person popping up frequently, it might be more than casual browsing.

People who are overly interested in someone else’s life tend to visit their profile multiple times a day. It’s their way of keeping tabs on what you’re doing, your interests, and any changes in your life.

4) Excessive tagging and mentioning

We all have friends who tag us in memes, posts, or photos. It’s a fun part of social media.

But if someone you barely know starts tagging or mentioning you excessively, psychologists warn that it’s a sign to start to be cautious.

Tagging or mentioning you frequently is a way for them to initiate conversation or gain your attention. It could also be their attempt to establish a public connection with you.

If it feels intrusive and makes you uncomfortable, trust your instincts.

It could be a sign of them stalking you on social media. Don’t hesitate to address the issue or even report it if necessary.

5) Unsolicited messages

Getting a message from an old friend or a new colleague on social media is quite normal.

But unsolicited messages from someone you barely know might be a different story. 

These messages might start as friendly, but can soon turn into excessive, unwanted conversations. They might probe for personal information or try to engage you in constant communication.

According to psychology, receiving unsolicited messages, especially those that try to dig into your private life, is a clear sign of stalking.

It’s important to set your boundaries and not engage with such tactics.

6) Knowing personal details

Imagine this scenario: you’re chatting with someone online and they mention your recent vacation, or they ask about your dog by name.

You’re sure you never shared this information with them. It leaves you feeling a bit uneasy, doesn’t it?

This is what I call “knowledge beyond acquaintance.”

Their recall of your personal details that were not directly shared with them means they’ve likely been combing through your social media profiles.

It’s a disconcerting feeling when someone knows more about you than they should.

It’s a clear sign that your social media may be under closer scrutiny than you’d like. It’s okay to question how they came across that information and to tighten your privacy settings if needed.

7) Frequent interaction on posts

A while back, I noticed something odd.

There was one person who seemed to interact with every single one of my posts, no matter how trivial or significant.

They would like, comment, and even share each of my updates almost immediately after I posted.

This level of interaction felt excessive and disproportionate, given our limited real-life interactions. It was as if they were waiting for my posts, ready to engage instantly.

This constant interaction on all your posts can be a subtle sign of stalking.

If someone is always the first to react or if their engagement feels intense, it might be time to question their motives.

8) Eerily similar interests

Have you ever noticed someone suddenly developing interests strikingly similar to yours?

They start posting about the same books you read, the same shows you watch, or the same places you visit.

While it’s possible to have common interests, a sudden alignment with almost everything you like is a bit suspicious.

It could indicate that they’re closely following your activities and trying to align themselves with your preferences.

This could be a subtle sign of social media stalking. Keep track of such patterns and don’t hesitate to maintain a safe distance if it makes you uncomfortable.

9) Uncomfortable gut feeling

Trust your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is.

You might not be able to pinpoint exactly what’s making you uncomfortable.

Maybe it’s the frequency of their comments, the details they know about you, or simply how they interact with your posts.

Never underestimate your gut feeling. It’s your subconscious picking up on patterns that your conscious mind might overlook.

If someone’s behavior on social media is causing you unease, it’s likely a sign that you’re being stalked.

Listen to your intuition and take necessary actions to safeguard your online presence.

Final thoughts

Social media is meant to connect us, not make us uneasy. But sometimes, those connections cross lines we didn’t set.

Whether it’s unsolicited messages or an unsettling gut feeling, these subtle signs are worth paying attention to.

You don’t need to share everything with everyone, and you have every right to set boundaries for your online space.

It’s time to start practicing digital hygiene.

Strengthen your privacy settings, be selective about what you post, and don’t hesitate to block or report accounts that make you feel uncomfortable.

At the end of the day, the digital world should feel as safe as your real-world one. Staying mindful of these signs won’t just protect your profile—it will preserve your peace of mind.