In our age of constant connectivity, it’s become the norm to share every detail of our lives on social media.
But there are those who choose to tread a different path – they don’t overshare and place a high value on their privacy.
There’s something powerful about this choice, and it’s far from being anti-social or secretive. Instead, it speaks of a unique set of strengths that these individuals possess.
In this piece, we’ll explore the five key strengths of people who don’t overshare on social media and instead choose to protect their privacy.
Who knows, you might just be one of them.
1) They have a strong sense of self
One of the key strengths of people who don’t overshare on social media is their robust sense of self.
They don’t need to seek validation from the virtual world every time they make a decision or experience something in their lives.
These individuals understand that their worth isn’t determined by the number of likes or comments on their posts. Instead, they rely on their own judgment and are content with their own approval.
This strength gives them the confidence to make independent decisions and maintain a healthy perspective about their place in the world, without being swayed by social media’s often distorted mirror.
2) They prioritize real connections
I’ve always admired people who don’t overshare on social media and place high value on their privacy. They seem to understand something that took me a while to grasp – the importance of real-life connections.
A few years ago, I found myself constantly checking my phone, drawn into the never-ending cycle of likes, comments, and shares. I started to realize that I was more focused on my virtual life than my real one.
One day, I noticed something about a friend of mine, let’s call her Jane. She was always present in every conversation, every outing. She wasn’t constantly distracted by her phone, and she rarely posted on social media. Yet, Jane seemed to have a richer, more fulfilling social life than most of us who were always online.
It struck me then – Jane was investing in real connections. She was actually living the moments we were all too busy trying to capture and share.
This realization changed my perspective. I started limiting my social media use and focusing more on my real-life connections.
And honestly, it’s been one of the best decisions I’ve made so far.
3) They are less likely to experience FOMO
FOMO, or the Fear of Missing Out, is a real phenomenon. It’s a form of anxiety that can cause you to feel like you’re always missing out on experiences, events, or social interactions.
But how does this relate to social media use?
Well, researchers have found that high usage of social media is associated with increased levels of FOMO.
Those who value their privacy are generally less likely to experience this. By not constantly bombarding themselves with other people’s highlight reels, they can focus on their own lives and experiences without feeling like they’re missing out on something better.
This strength allows them to enjoy their own experiences more fully, without the constant comparison and fear of missing out that social media often induces.
4) They have better focus and productivity
There’s no denying that social media can be a major distraction. The constant urge to check your feeds, post updates or respond to comments can eat into your time and disrupt your concentration.
Individuals who don’t go all in on social media, however, are often better at maintaining their focus. By not getting caught up in the digital whirlwind, they can dedicate their time and attention to the tasks at hand.
This ability to stay focused enhances their productivity. They get more done, achieve their goals more efficiently, and often have a better work-life balance.
This strength shows us that less time spent on social media can often lead to more time spent on things that truly matter – like our work, hobbies, or relationships.
5) They tend to have a healthier level of self-esteem
Social media can be a double-edged sword when it comes to our self-esteem. While it has the potential to boost our confidence through positive interactions, it can also lead to damaging comparisons and feelings of inadequacy.
Those who prefer to keep most of their lives off social media often have healthier self-esteem. This is because they are less likely to fall into the trap of comparing their lives to the often idealized versions presented by others online.
Instead, they focus on their own accomplishments, their own growth, and their own happiness. By not relying on external validation from social media, they can maintain a healthier, more stable sense of self-worth.
Final thoughts: It’s about balance
The digital age has revolutionized our ways of communication and connection, offering us unprecedented access to a world beyond physical constraints.
Social media, a significant part of this revolution, has its undeniable benefits. It allows us to keep in touch with loved ones across the globe, share our thoughts and experiences, and even foster new friendships.
However, like any tool, its usefulness is determined by how we wield it. The strengths of people who don’t overshare on social media and value their privacy offer us valuable insights into striking a healthier balance in our digital lives.
At the end of the day, it’s about understanding that our worth isn’t defined by the likes or shares we receive online. It’s about remembering that while social media can enhance our lives, it shouldn’t consume them.
So maybe it’s time to reassess our relationship with social media. How much are we sharing? Why are we sharing it? And most importantly, are we living our lives to the fullest or just living for the shareable moments?
What would Marcus Aurelius say?
Unsure what to do next in your career? Struggling to move on from a failed relationship? Searching for more meaning in life?
Marcus Aurelius can tell you how to face your challenges in a more Stoic way.
Simply ask your question, and Marcus Aurelius will answer.
