In this digital era, it has become disturbingly easy to share everything about ourselves on the internet with everybody else. Even though it is an excellent tool for remaining in touch, oversharing on the internet can cause us many issues, including issues related to privacy, security, relationships, and even future careers. It is necessary to be cautious about what we are posting on the internet; it may be simply our life diary or something that may harm us in the future.
The main issue of oversharing is that people end up revealing information which is way too sensitive and private in nature. In one of the simplest examples, when people post about themselves going out of town for vacation, it becomes known to outsiders that they might not be at home anymore. When all these posts get compiled together, information which seems very innocuous can become dangerous.
Another issue is that information posted online can be difficult to take back. People sometimes believe that deleting a post means it has disappeared forever. However, someone could have taken a screenshot, downloaded the image, or shared it somewhere else. A joke or embarrassing photo that seemed funny at the time could become a problem months or years later. The internet has a long memory and just because you think that it is gone, doesn’t mean that it is.
Oversharing could also affect relationships. Social media can make private problems public very quickly. For example, someone might post about an argument with a friend or share details about a disagreement with a family member. Although posting may feel like a way to express frustration, it can make the situation worse. The other person may feel embarrassed or betrayed, especially if they did not give permission for their private situation to be shared.
Another thing to think about is that organizations such as colleges and employers could evaluate one’s online persona prior to decision-making. What seems like an innocent post by a teenager would have a completely different interpretation weeks-months-years down the line. I’m not implying that people must fear posting online; I am so guilty of this. I personally live on twitter. I’m saying that people need to take into account the fact that their online persona could influence how they are perceived by people who may be important to you.
But why do people tend to overshare online? The main reason is so much simpler than you think. It comes down to the teenage desire to receive attention and validation from others. Positive reactions such as likes, comments, and followers can make a person feel acknowledged and seen, which in turn result in sharing more and more personal information. Social networks put pressure on people to post about what is happening in our lives. When everyone seems to be sharing everything, keeping something private can feel unusual, but you don’t have to post every thought inside of your brain. Some things are allowed to be just for you.
Avoiding oversharing does not mean avoiding the internet completely! Just before posting something, take a second to think about who might see it, whether it contains private information, and are you going to be comfortable with the post still existing years from now.
Ultimately, the internet is a powerful tool for communication and self-expression, but it should be used responsibly. Sharing can help people connect, but oversharing can expose information that cannot easily be taken back. By thinking before posting and respecting both their own privacy and the privacy of others, people can have a safer and healthier relationship with the internet.
Just because you have the ability to say your innermost thoughts to everyone at any time, post about the coffee shop that you’ve visited every day at the same time for 3 years, or that you’re visiting the Grand Canyon for the first time when you live in Orlando doesn’t mean that you should. Think before you post; you never know who’s on the other end.