So what is Oversharing
Oversharing can happen several ways without us even thinking about the consequences :
- Personal Information: Disclosing sensitive personal information like your address, phone number, or financial details can make you vulnerable to identity theft or stalking.
While this may seem obvious, posting a pic of your new home, and then responding to a friend’s question like “ Hey! Where are you moving to?” could be a giveaway
Or showing off expensive purchases like new cars, boats or 52” TV all feel like “wins” to us are in fact advertising our valuables.
- Work-Related Details: Sharing confidential or sensitive work information, even inadvertently, can breach company policies and harm your professional reputation.
“Argh, my boss is so annoying!” or “ I work for the dumbest company, they don’t even know what they are doing!” posts can put you and your company into disrepute, and you could find yourself in hot water.
That selfie of you looking cute at your busy desk?
You could unintentionally have sensitive information of clients or brand logos in the background, showcasing information that should be private.
- Emotional Oversharing: Constantly sharing emotional or personal struggles might attract unwarranted attention or judgment and can impact your mental well-being.
Not everyone will share your journey, and posting about personal feelings or experiences may draw unnecessary attention and comments that could hurt you. Be careful about airing your dirty laundry.
- Relationship Details: Exposing intimate details of your relationships can invade the privacy of others involved and strain these relationships.
Has your boyfriend / girlfriend not got social media? Ask before you post. There may be a reason they don’t post as often as you do.
Want to share pictures of that weekend away? Is everyone in the group comfortable with the pictures you took of them, at the pool, skiing, at the bar holding a drink or even you disclosing you were away together.
That awesome pic of you and your friend, you love her and think she looks divine, does she feel the same way?,check, you might be surprised to find she doesn’t feel the same.
- Location Sharing: Frequent check-ins or live location updates can compromise your safety and privacy.
If anyone is watching your account, “check ins” may be the perfect way to tell when you aren’t home, or could leave your spouse and family vulnerable advertising your airport check ins.
Strategies to Avoid Oversharing
- Pause and Reflect: Before posting, take a moment to consider if the information is necessary and appropriate for a public forum. Ask yourself, “Would I be comfortable sharing this with a stranger in real life?”
- Adjust Privacy Settings: Regularly review and adjust your privacy settings to control who can see your posts. Be selective about who you accept as friends or followers.
- Follow the ‘Front Page’ Rule: If you wouldn’t want the information on the front page of a newspaper, it probably shouldn’t be on social media.
- Limit Emotional Posting: While it’s okay to share feelings, be cautious about over-exposing your emotional state. Seek support from close friends or professionals in private settings instead.
- Create Boundaries for Work-Related Posts: Refrain from discussing work matters publicly. If you need to vent or seek advice, do it in a controlled environment with trusted individuals.
- Think About Others’ Privacy: Before sharing details about friends, family, or colleagues, consider their privacy and get their consent if needed.
- Use Direct Messaging for Personal Conversations: For sensitive or personal topics, use private messages instead of public posts.
- Regularly Audit Your Digital Footprint: Occasionally review your past posts and delete anything that feels like too much information in hindsight.
Remember, social media is a powerful tool that, when used wisely, can enhance your personal and professional life. By being mindful of what and how you share, you can protect your privacy and maintain a positive online presence.
