The internet is an amazing place. It connects us, helps us learn, and opens up endless opportunities. But it also has its dangers—especially when it comes to what we share about ourselves.
One thing I’ve learned? Oversharing online can come back to bite you in ways you might not expect.
It’s not just about privacy—it’s about protecting your mental well-being, your relationships, and even your future opportunities.
So before you post that next personal update, let’s talk about the 7 things psychology says you should never share on the internet.
Let’s dive in.
1) Your personal location
One of the biggest mistakes people make online is sharing their location—whether it’s their home address, workplace, or even frequent hangout spots.
I get it. It feels harmless to tag yourself at your favorite café or post a picture outside your house. But psychology tells us that this kind of information can make you more vulnerable than you realize.
When people know where you are (or where you usually are), it opens the door to privacy risks, unwanted attention, and even security threats. And let’s be honest—do you really want strangers or acquaintances knowing your every move?
A good rule of thumb: keep your location private, especially in real time. If you want to share a trip or an event, wait until after you’ve left. Small changes like this can go a long way in protecting both your safety and your peace of mind.
2) Your deepest insecurities
A few years ago, I made the mistake of venting online about something I was struggling with—my fear of failure. At the time, I thought opening up would make me feel better, maybe even get some support.
Instead, it left me feeling exposed and, honestly, a little embarrassed.
The internet isn’t always a safe space for vulnerability. While it’s great to talk about challenges with close friends or a therapist, sharing your deepest insecurities online can backfire.
People may judge you, use it against you, or simply not respond in the way you hoped.
Carl Rogers, one of the most influential psychologists in history, once said: “What is most personal is most universal.”
It’s true—we all have doubts and fears. But that doesn’t mean the internet is the right place to process them.
If you need to work through insecurities, do it in a space that feels safe and supportive. Trust me, your future self will thank you.
3) Financial details
A few years ago, I almost fell for an online scam. I had casually mentioned in a forum that I was saving up for something big, and not long after, I got a message from someone offering me a “great investment opportunity.”
Luckily, I hesitated before handing over any money—but looking back, I realized how easily I could have been tricked.
Sharing financial details online—whether it’s your income, savings, or even frustrations about money—can make you a target. Scammers, hackers, or even people in your own social circle might take advantage of that information in ways you don’t expect.
Even something as simple as posting a picture of an expensive purchase can attract the wrong kind of attention. It’s always better to keep your financial situation private and discuss money matters only with people you truly trust.
I learned my lesson the hard way—hopefully, you won’t have to.
4) Negative thoughts about your job
I’ll admit it—I’ve complained about work online before. I once had a frustrating boss, and after a particularly bad day, I posted a vague but obviously annoyed status about it. I didn’t name names, but it didn’t matter.
A coworker saw it, word got around, and let’s just say it made things very awkward at the office.
Venting about your job online might feel good in the moment, but it can seriously backfire.
A study from CareerBuilder found that 70% of employers check social media when hiring, and nearly half have decided not to hire someone based on what they found.
Even if you’re not job hunting now, burning bridges online can come back to haunt you later.
If you’re frustrated with work, talk to a friend, write in a journal, or go for a walk—but keep it off social media. You never know who’s watching.
5) Details about your relationship
I used to think sharing little details about my relationship online was harmless—cute photos, inside jokes, even the occasional argument (in a vague, passive-aggressive way). But over time, I realized that the more I shared, the more outside opinions started creeping in.
People would make comments, give unsolicited advice, or even take sides when my partner and I had disagreements. Instead of strengthening our relationship, sharing too much online made things more complicated.
Psychologists call this the “audience effect“—the idea that when we know others are watching, it influences how we act. Studies have shown that couples who keep their private matters private tend to be happier and more secure in their relationships.
Of course, sharing happy moments is normal. But when it comes to personal struggles, arguments, or intimate details, it’s often best to keep them between you and your partner—not the entire internet.
6) Your biggest goals and plans
A few years ago, I was working on a big personal project—something I was really excited about. I couldn’t wait to share it, so I posted about my plans on social media, expecting encouragement.
And at first, that’s exactly what I got. Friends and followers cheered me on, telling me how great it sounded.
But something weird happened after that. My motivation started to fade. Instead of pushing forward, I felt like I had already accomplished something just by talking about it. And in the end? The project never even got off the ground.
When we announce our goals publicly, our brains get a sense of accomplishment before we’ve actually done the work. That early praise tricks us into feeling like we’ve already succeeded—and we lose the drive to follow through.
Since then, I’ve learned to keep my biggest goals private until I’ve made real progress. If you want to achieve something big, try working in silence—then let your success speak for itself.
7) How generous you are
This one might sound surprising. After all, isn’t generosity something good to share? Shouldn’t we encourage kindness and inspire others to give?
The problem is, when you broadcast your generosity—whether it’s donating to charity, helping a friend, or doing a good deed—it can actually reduce the real impact of your actions.
Psychologists call this “moral licensing“—when we publicly acknowledge a good deed, we subconsciously feel like we’ve done enough and become less likely to continue acting generously in the future.
Even worse, research suggests that people who frequently post about their good deeds online can sometimes be perceived as less genuine. Instead of inspiring others, it can come across as self-serving.
A better approach? Keep your generosity quiet. Help because you want to, not because you want recognition. If you truly want to encourage kindness, let your actions set the example—no post required.
Final thoughts
The internet makes it so easy to share—but not everything is meant for public consumption. Oversharing can put your privacy, relationships, and even your future at risk.
So before you post, take a step back. Ask yourself:
- Is this something I’d be okay with a stranger knowing?
- Could this be used against me?
- Will I regret sharing this later?
A simple rule I follow? If in doubt, don’t post.
Some things are better kept offline, where they truly belong.
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