Gemotions

The Instagram notification pinged during a late-night study session. "Mr. Bell is now following you." A wave of heat flushed over Olivia’s face, followed by a sudden chill. The thought of her English teacher, scrolling through her feed, caused her a feeling of intense discomfort.

She spent the next hour meticulously curating her profile. She removed posts that she deemed too personal. She deleted any comment that was remotely controversial. She felt like she was being judged.

The next day in class, she found it difficult to concentrate. She couldn't shake the feeling of being watched, of being seen in a new, critical light.