One of my favorite books is The Truth Machine by James Halperin, which details what the future would look like if there was a truth detection device on every person’s wrist that infallibly indicated whether they were telling the truth. Though it may not be worn on our wrist, I think the effect of Facebook achieves the same purpose.

In describing our relationship with relationships on Facebook, people might say “it’s complicated.” However, it seems pretty simple to me.

The truth is, if it’s on Facebook, it’s truth.

Think about it. For instance, everybody knows that it’s not real until it’s on Facebook. So, it’s not really a relationship until it’s proclaimed as such on Facebook. When recently asking a friend about a new love interest, he said they were dating, but weren’t “Facebook serious” yet. It’s a big deal to be serious enough to put it on Facebook. (People not on Facebook need not apply.)

My boyfriend and I have been dating on and off for about four years now, but last year, when we got serious again, we had the DTR (or, “Define The Relationship” for the uninitiated) conversation on the phone.