On social media, sharing is one of the many aspects people engage in. In the digital age, sharing involves immaterial sharing, which is a practice that includes the revealing of feelings and knowledge (Kennedy, 2018). However, sharing has morphed into something else, a need for attention and a deep desire to connect with a broader public. Online sharing is no longer sharing just feelings or ideas, it has become oversharing, an open and widespread disclosure of people’s lives. This disclosure is open to anyone to discuss and judge on social media, which consequently brings negative consequences such as anxiety or addiction.
In the digital age, where social media platforms have become virtual diaries and conversations are largely conducted through screens, the concept of oversharing has taken center stage. Oversharing refers to the act of disclosing an excessive amount of personal information, often blurring the line between openness and privacy. While the phenomenon has its merits in fostering connections and understanding, it also presents potential drawbacks, highlighting the importance of striking a balance between self-expression and protecting one’s boundaries. Studies show that anxiety, attention seeking, and/or unhealthy use of social media are the engines running the oversharing machine, especially for young people (Shabahang, Shim, Aruguete & Zsila, 2022).
In an era marked by global connectivity, the desire for genuine connections and relatability is stronger than ever. Oversharing can serve as a means of bridging gaps between individuals, as sharing personal experiences and struggles can make others feel less alone. In this context, oversharing can be viewed as a tool for empathy, creating spaces where individuals can find solace in shared experiences and offer support to one another. However, there is another side of oversharing: attention seeking, which is a behavior driven by the desire for validation, recognition, or acknowledgment from others. Some people share personal details or struggles exaggeratedly to elicit sympathy or attention from others. This can sometimes be a reflection of underlying emotional needs or insecurities.
Undoubtedly, social media platforms offer an unprecedented avenue for self-expression, where oversharing has become normalized to an extent. The convenience of posting personal thoughts, milestones, and updates online contributes to this phenomenon. Users are often enticed by the instant validation and engagement that oversharing can bring, leading to a cycle of continual disclosure. However, the line between authentic self-expression and oversharing is thin.
Oversharing can potentially have detrimental effects on mental health and relationships. The act of revealing intimate details to a broad audience may leave individuals feeling vulnerable or exposed. Furthermore, oversharing might create an environment of comparison, as others may measure their own lives against the curated narratives presented online. This comparison can contribute to feelings of inadequacy and anxiety.
As mentioned previously, anxiety can sometimes contribute to oversharing behavior. When individuals experience heightened anxiety, they might engage in oversharing as a coping mechanism to alleviate their distress. Anxiety can lead to a surplus of nervous energy that individuals may channel into talking excessively. This can result in oversharing personal information, often without realizing the extent of disclosure.
Other aspects of the intersection between anxiety and oversharing are seeking reassurance and validation from others; for instance, vocalizing ruminating thoughts in the hopes to gain insights from others in order to reduce uncertainty about outcomes or future events. It’s important to note that while oversharing might provide temporary relief from anxiety, it might also lead to long-term negative consequences. People might feel exposed, regretful, or even more anxious after oversharing.
Therefore, maintaining digital etiquette; knowing how to navigate the fine line between connection and oversharing is crucial. Practicing self-awareness and considering the potential impact of one’s disclosures can help individuals maintain a healthy balance between sharing and oversharing. Before sharing personal information, one should reflect on their motives and evaluate whether the information is appropriate for the intended audience. Boundaries should be set to protect personal privacy and maintain a sense of control over the information being shared.
Rather than resorting to oversharing for instant gratification, individuals ought to focus on cultivating meaningful connections. Engaging in genuine conversations, active listening, and sharing thoughtfully can lead to deeper and more authentic relationships. By valuing quality over quantity, we all can shift the focus from oversharing to establishing connections based on mutual respect and understanding.
It is essential to highlight that the adverse effects of oversharing do not only affect those who overshare but also participants that consume that content. Consuming oversharing content can contribute to social media addiction. So, those who overshare and those participants (consumers of oversharing) can contribute to their own mental distress and can contribute to social media addiction. Striking a balance between openness and privacy is essential to harness the positive aspects of oversharing while minimizing its potential drawbacks.
It is important to remember that social media has a dark side that can negatively affect our lives. Some of the “dark” of social media involve the declining quality of interpersonal relationships, privacy, and adverse peer comments effects, among others. Although oversharing in the digital age is a complex phenomenon that reflects the evolving nature of communication and self-expression, it also has its downfalls. While it can foster connections and empathy, it also presents potential risks to mental well-being and personal boundaries. By practicing digital etiquette and prioritizing meaningful connections, individuals can navigate the digital landscape with authenticity and mindfulness.
References
- Kennedy, J. (2018). Oversharing is the norm. Digital intimate publics and social media, 265-280. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-97607-5_16
- Shabahang, R., Shim, H., Aruguete, M. S., & Zsila, A. (2022). Oversharing on social media: Anxiety, attention-seeking, and social media addiction predict the breadth and depth of sharing. Psychological Reports, https://doi.org/10.1177/00332941221122861
