Navigating the world of social media can sometimes feel like a psychological minefield. In our quest to present the best version of ourselves online, we often reveal more than we intend to – particularly when it comes to our insecurities.
According to psychology, there are certain behaviors that insecure people tend to demonstrate on social media. These are subtle signs, easily missed if you’re not paying attention.
But once you know what to look for, they become glaringly obvious.
In this article, I’m going to share 7 things that insecure people often post on social media. This isn’t about judging or shaming anyone.
Rather, it’s about fostering self-awareness and helping us all use social media in a way that truly reflects who we are – insecurities and all.
So, let’s dive in and explore these common behaviors. Who knows? You might even recognize a few from your own feed.
1) Over-sharing personal details
The term ‘TMI’ (too much information) is commonly thrown around on social media, and it seems to be a regular habit for those who are feeling insecure.
In the world of psychology, it’s not uncommon to come across the concept that people often reveal more than they intend to, particularly when they’re feeling uncertain or insecure about themselves.
This can often translate to over-sharing personal details on social media platforms.
People with insecurities may feel the need for validation, and in order to get this, they might share personal or sensitive information more readily.
While this might provide temporary relief or garner immediate attention, it can also make them susceptible to criticism or judgement.
So, if you come across a post laden with personal details that might typically be kept private, take a moment to consider that the person might be dealing with some insecurities. And remember – understanding and empathy go a long way in these situations.
2) Constantly seeking validation
Ah, the ‘like’ button – a double-edged sword of social media. On one hand, getting a ‘like’ can feel like a little boost of validation, a small acknowledgment that you’ve been seen and appreciated.
On the other hand, when you don’t get as many ‘likes’ as you were hoping for, it can feel like a personal rejection.
I’ve seen this happen to myself. I remember a time when I posted a picture of my new apartment. I was so excited about it and was expecting everyone else to be too.
But when it only garnered a few ‘likes’, I felt deflated and started questioning whether I made the right decision. Looking back, I can see how my insecurity played a part in that situation.
If you find yourself constantly checking for ‘likes’ or feeling down when your posts don’t get the response you were hoping for, it might be time to step back and reassess why you’re seeking validation from social media.
Remember, your worth isn’t determined by how many ‘likes’ you get.
3) Comparing oneself to others
Have you ever caught yourself looking at someone else’s social media profile and thinking, “Why can’t my life be like that?” If you have, you’re not alone. It’s a trap many of us fall into.
In today’s age of picture-perfect posts and carefully curated profiles, it’s easy to feel like everyone else’s life is better than ours. We see their highlights and compare them to our behind-the-scenes, often leaving us feeling inadequate or insecure.
Famed psychologist, Dr. Albert Ellis, once said, “The art of love is largely the art of persistence.” This could be interpreted as a reminder that developing a loving relationship with ourselves requires persistent effort.
It involves consistently reminding ourselves that what we see on social media is not always a true reflection of reality.
Remember that everyone has their own struggles and challenges – they just might not choose to share them online. Instead of comparing yourself to others, focus on your own journey and the progress you’re making. That’s what truly matters.
4) Posting negative or attention-seeking statuses
Another common behavior among those feeling insecure is the tendency to post negative or attention-seeking statuses. These posts often serve as a cry for help or a way to seek validation and reassurance from others.
This behavior was highlighted in a study conducted at Brunel University London, which found that individuals with low self-esteem were more likely to post status updates about their current romantic partner, while narcissists were more likely to brag about achievements.
This suggests that insecure individuals use social media as a platform for seeking the validation and reassurance they crave.
It’s important to remember that while it’s completely normal to seek comfort and support from our social networks, constantly relying on others for validation might be an indication of deeper insecurities.
Taking time for self-reflection and self-care can help bolster our self-esteem and reduce the need for external validation.
5) Sharing success without acknowledging the struggle
We’ve all seen those posts on social media – the ones that showcase a huge success without mentioning any of the hard work or challenges that led to it.
I’ve even been guilty of this myself, sharing a photo of a finished project without acknowledging the late nights and endless cups of coffee that went into it.
This behavior can often be linked to insecurity. We want to show the world our best selves, our successes, but we’re afraid to show the struggle, for fear it might make us look weak or incompetent.
Acknowledging our struggles doesn’t make us weak – it makes us human. And it’s only when we accept ourselves, struggles and all, that we can grow and change.
So next time you’re about to share a success on social media, consider also sharing some of the journey that got you there. You might be surprised by how much more relatable your posts become.
6) Rarely appearing in their own photos
Now, this might seem counterintuitive. After all, social media is all about sharing our lives, right? But interestingly, people who are insecure often shy away from posting pictures of themselves.
Instead, their feeds are filled with pictures of other people, beautiful landscapes, cute animals, or inspirational quotes.
This reluctance to post pictures of themselves could be a sign that they’re uncomfortable with their appearance or afraid of being judged by others.
It’s okay to show our vulnerable sides. In fact, it’s often through facing our insecurities and fears that we find our true strengths.
So if you notice that someone rarely posts photos of themselves on social media, it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re camera shy. It might be a sign that they’re dealing with some insecurities. And as always, a little understanding and empathy can go a long way.
7) Deleting posts that don’t get enough ‘likes’
Finally, one subtle sign of insecurity is when people constantly delete posts that don’t get a certain number of ‘likes’.
It’s as if the lack of social validation negates the worthiness of the post – or worse, their own self-worth.
As renowned psychologist Abraham Maslow once said, “The story of the human race is the story of men and women selling themselves short.”
Don’t let the number of ‘likes’ on a post determine your worth. You are more than the sum of your social media interactions.
Final reflections
Navigating through the labyrinth of social media, we often come across posts that give us a glimpse into the insecurities of the people around us.
But it’s important to remember that everyone has their own battles, and our online personas are just a fraction of our complex identities.
These signs of insecurity are not points for judgment but rather indications for empathy and understanding. We are all learning, growing, and struggling in our own ways.
We all have insecurities that sometimes seep into our social media posts.
So the next time you scroll through your feed, remember to be kind. Be kind to others who might be dealing with their insecurities in the only way they know how.
And most importantly, be kind to yourself. Your worth is not defined by your social media presence or how others perceive you online.
