There’s a fine line between sharing and oversharing on social media.
As an entrepreneur, you may be tempted to share every detail of your journey with your followers. But here’s the thing, psychology suggests that there are some things about ourselves that we should never share online.
Why? Because not everything is meant for public consumption. Some information can expose you to unnecessary risks or even damage your brand’s image.
In this article, we’ll be diving into the seven things about yourself you should never share on social media, according to psychology.
It’s all about striking the right balance between transparency and privacy, and knowing when to draw the line.
So, let’s get started!
1) Personal grievances and disputes
As an entrepreneur, it’s natural to have ups and downs, clashes and victories. But, it’s crucial to understand that not every battle needs a public audience.
Renowned psychologist Carl Jung once said, “Knowing your own darkness is the best method for dealing with the darknesses of other people.”
This knowledge should make us rethink how we present our personal conflicts on social media platforms.
Broadcasting your grievances or disputes can come off as unprofessional and may even harm your reputation. It could also invite unwanted opinions and escalate the situation further.
Remember, social media is a public platform, and the way you handle your personal matters can significantly influence how others perceive you.
So, keep your disputes offline and focus on showcasing the aspects that contribute positively to your brand image.
2) Your financial details
I remember a time, early in my entrepreneurial journey, when I landed my first big client. The thrill was so overwhelming that I nearly posted the contract’s value on my Facebook page.
Sharing financial details, whether it’s about your earnings, savings, or investments, can make you a target for scams and frauds. Not only that, but it could also create unnecessary competition or jealousy among your peers.
The lesson here is simple: Celebrate your wins, but keep your financial specifics private. It’s always safer and more professional to keep these matters between yourself and your financial advisor.
3) Intimate family details
Have you ever thought about how much of your family life should be shared online?
A quote from renowned psychologist Abraham Maslow struck a chord with me: “What is necessary to change a person is to change his awareness of himself.”
This made me think twice about what I share on social media, especially when it comes to my family.
While it’s natural to want to share moments of joy or milestones with your family, it’s important to remember that not everyone needs to know every detail.
Sharing intimate family details can expose your loved ones to unnecessary scrutiny or even cyberbullying.
It’s always best to seek consent from family members before posting about them and consider whether the information you’re sharing could have any unintended consequences.
After all, protecting our families is just as important as protecting ourselves.
4) Your full daily routine
You might think sharing your daily routine can be inspiring for others, especially if you’re running a successful business. But it’s worth considering the potential downsides.
A study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology found that predictability can lead to increased vulnerability.
When you share your full daily routine, you’re essentially giving away a roadmap to your life. This can increase the risk of cyberstalking, burglary, or other potential threats.
While it’s okay to share snippets of your day or certain routines that contribute to your success, avoid providing a detailed hour-by-hour account.
Remember, it’s not just about protecting your privacy, but also about maintaining your safety.
5) Your home address and personal contact details
I still remember the day when a package from an unknown sender arrived at my doorstep. It was a wake-up call about the importance of protecting personal information.
In our digital world, maintaining privacy can be challenging, but it’s vital for our safety and peace of mind.
Sharing your home address or personal contact details publicly online is an open invitation for anyone to invade your personal space, both physically and digitally.
It’s always better to use a business address or a P.O. Box for professional communications and keep your personal details exactly that – personal.
6) Excessive self-promotion
It seems counterintuitive, especially as an entrepreneur. You’re told to put yourself out there, promote your brand, and be your biggest cheerleader. But there’s a thin line between promotion and overkill.
Psychologist Albert Bandura once said:
“People who believe they have the power to exercise some measure of control over their lives are healthier, more effective and more successful than those who lack faith in their ability to effect changes in their lives.”
Here’s the twist – self-promotion becomes a problem when it’s all about you and not about the value you bring to others.
If your social media feed is a constant stream of self-praise and promotion, it can be off-putting for your followers.
Instead, aim for a balanced approach by sharing valuable content, celebrating achievements humbly, and engaging with your audience genuinely.
7) Negative thoughts and feelings
We all have moments of self-doubt and frustration.
But before you vent on social media, take a moment to reflect on these words from psychologist William James: “The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another.”
Sharing constant negativity can impact your personal brand and alienate your audience. It’s okay to be real and admit when things are tough, but try to maintain a positive and professional tone.
After all, your social media presence should reflect not just who you are, but who you aspire to be.
Final thoughts
The world of social media can be a wonderful platform to connect, share, and learn. But, just as in the real world, some boundaries are necessary for our well-being and safety.
These seven points aren’t just about what not to share on social media; they’re reminders of the importance of mindfulness in the digital age.
They’re nudges towards conscious decisions about what we put out into the world and how it can impact us and those around us.
So the next time you’re about to post something on your social media page, pause for a moment. Reflect on what you’re sharing and why.
In this age of constant sharing and overexposure, perhaps the most revolutionary act is choosing what to keep to ourselves.
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