Narcissists may engage in passive monitoring of your social media and watch your stories for several reasons, all of which are related to their underlying psychological traits and behaviors:
Seeking Narcissistic Supply: Narcissists crave attention, admiration, and validation from others, known as "narcissistic supply." Monitoring your social media allows them to gather information about you, keep tabs on your life, and feel a sense of control or superiority over you. They may derive satisfaction from observing your activities without actively engaging with you.
Maintaining a Sense of Power: By silently monitoring your social media, narcissists may feel like they have power over you, even if you are unaware of their presence. This reinforces their belief in their own superiority and the ability to exert control over others.
Lack of Genuine Interest: Narcissists are often self-centered and have difficulty showing genuine interest in others unless it serves their own needs or agenda. They may watch your stories out of curiosity or to gather information but have no intention of engaging with you on a personal level.
Avoiding Accountability: Active engagement with your social media might require responding or acknowledging your posts, which could make them vulnerable to criticism or accountability for their behavior. By passively monitoring, they can maintain a distance and avoid any potential confrontation or responsibility.
Attention-Seeking: Some narcissists might watch your stories to see if you react or respond to their actions, which could feed their need for attention and drama. They may enjoy observing any emotional reactions they might provoke in you.
Hoarding Information: Narcissists often collect information about others as part of their manipulative strategies. They may use the data they gather from your social media to gather ammunition for future manipulation or to exploit your vulnerabilities.
It's important to remember that social media can be a breeding ground for unhealthy behavior and emotional manipulation, especially in relationships involving narcissists. If you suspect someone is a narcissist or if their behavior on social media is causing you distress, it may be helpful to establish healthy boundaries, limit their access to your posts, and seek support from friends, family, or a mental health professional.