Dr. Serge Desmarais

Dr. Serge Desmarais, a professor emeritus of psychology in the College of Social and Applied Human Sciences (CSAHS), spoke to the Toronto Star about whether it’s okay to “creep someone’s socials” — i.e. look into their social media profiles before dating them.

Desmarais noted it’s understandable to want to have some basic knowledge of a person you’re going to date, but warned the material online isn’t always accurate.

“Research on self-presentation suggests that people present themselves in the most positive way possible,” he said.

Desmarais’s research examines the impact of gender norms on close relationships, as well as sexuality and social media.