In my early days of research into social media engagement when I was a grad student, I found it interesting how a person communicates online with others whether it be for business, research, or just fun. The sharing of ideas, thoughts, opinions, and emotions all play a part in the social experience.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that not everything needs to be shared online, and that there are many good reasons to keep your private life away from social media.

First and foremost, social media can be a major source of stress and anxiety. When we share our personal lives online, we’re opening ourselves up to the opinions and judgments of others. This can be especially true when it comes to sensitive issues like politics, religion, or lifestyle choices. If you’re constantly worried about how your posts will be received, it can be exhausting and draining. By keeping your private life offline, you can avoid these stressors and focus on what’s truly important to you. Also, it might be a good idea to avoid posting any media of yourself that is distasteful as it might come back to haunt you during a job search.

Another reason to keep your private life offline is to protect your personal information. Social media companies are notoriously bad at protecting user data, and there have been numerous instances of data breaches and hacks that have exposed users’ private information. By keeping your personal life offline, you’re reducing the risk of having your sensitive information stolen or misused.

Of course, there are some aspects of our lives that we may want to share online. It can be a great way to connect with others who share our interests or experiences, and it can be a powerful tool for building community and support networks. However, it’s important to be mindful of what we’re sharing and why. Before posting something online, ask yourself if it’s something that you truly want to share with the world. If not, consider keeping it to yourself or sharing it only with a trusted friend or family member. It’s also important to maintain mental health and sometimes social media doesn’t help with that so be mindful of what you post, see, and engage in.

If you have a chance, check out this video of Bryce Dallas Howard’s Ted Talk on privacy and social media.