Social Software
The social rules, norms, and roles a person learns about dating, gender, commitment, and sexuality, which shape what feels “allowed” or “expected.”
What This Really Means
Social software differs across countries, communities, and generations and can create pressure or confusion when partners run different “operating systems.” It influences consent language, initiation patterns, and assumptions about exclusivity and pleasure.
Making social software explicit reduces misunderstanding and supports respectful negotiation.
Examples
One partner expects indirect initiation while the other prefers explicit asking
A couple assumes different meanings of “being serious” based on social norms
Someone feels they must perform a role (e.g., always initiating) even when it doesn’t feel authentic.
Common Misunderstandings
Tap each myth to reveal the reality
Social Software isn’t the same as personal values, and it focuses on the social rules, norms, and roles a person learns about dating, gender, commitment, and sexuality.
Social Software can fluctuate, so “always” or “never” claims don’t hold up.
Social Software is about the social rules, norms, and roles a person learns about dating, gender, commitment, and sexuality, and it doesn’t imply that partners should automatically know each other’s social expectations.
Social Software describes the social rules, norms, and roles a person learns about dating, gender, commitment, and sexuality, so it doesn’t mean that social software can’t change.
Tags
Inside LoveIQ
We identify patterns related to Social Software by analyzing responses in our assessment modules, helping you understand your unique relationship dynamics.
Sample visualization of a gap metric.
“You don't need to label yourself. These terms help describe patterns — not define you.”
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