Blocking and unblocking someone on social media or communication platforms itself is not a form of abuse. It is a personal decision that individuals make to control their online interactions and protect their well-being, privacy, and mental health. People may choose to block someone for various reasons, such as:
To prevent harassment or bullying: Blocking someone who is engaging in abusive behavior can be a necessary measure to protect oneself from harmful interactions.
To establish boundaries: Sometimes, individuals may block someone to establish personal boundaries or to distance themselves from a toxic or negative relationship.
To avoid unwanted communication: Blocking can be used to stop receiving unsolicited messages or content that makes someone uncomfortable.
To maintain privacy: Blocking may be employed to limit access to personal information or to prevent someone from viewing private content.
While blocking is generally a reasonable action taken to protect oneself, it's essential to recognize that abuse can occur through various means beyond just blocking and unblocking. Abuse is typically characterized by a pattern of harmful behavior meant to control, dominate, or harm another person emotionally, physically, or psychologically. Examples of abusive behavior include verbal or emotional abuse, physical violence, manipulation, cyberbullying, gaslighting, and more.
If someone is using blocking and unblocking as a form of manipulative control, such as repeatedly blocking and unblocking as a means of emotional manipulation or to cause distress to the other person, then it could be considered emotionally abusive behavior. The key element to identify abuse is the intention and impact of the actions on the recipient.
If you feel you are experiencing abuse or manipulation in any form, it's essential to reach out to someone you trust, seek support, and consider talking to a professional counselor or therapist who can help you navigate the situation and provide guidance. Your safety and well-being are important, and there are resources available to assist you in difficult situations.