Dark side of young people's phone habit revealed

eSafety advocates warn there is a dark side to the growing trend of online tracking and monitoring. (Lukas Coch/AAP PHOTOS)

For many young Australians, tracking a partner's every move is a normal sign of love and affection, but there is a darker side to the growing trend.

Online following and monitoring has become common among family and friends but research published by the eSafety Commissioner on Thursday suggests this behaviour might be spilling over into romantic relationships.