Lachlan Brown
I’ve spent years researching psychology, self-improvement, and mindfulness. In that time, I’ve come to realize just how much our online behavior can influence our mindset and overall well-being.
Social media offers powerful ways to connect, but it can also become a psychological minefield when we overshare or post without thinking.
Below are ten things you should never post on social media—backed by psychological concepts and a dose of personal experience.
1. Your Ongoing Heated Arguments
Sharing unresolved drama, whether with friends or family, can invite public judgment and intensify negative emotions. Psychologists often refer to the concept of “emotional contagion”—when we broadcast our tension, it can spread stress like wildfire.
According to Daniel Goleman, the author of Emotional Intelligence, our emotions can be “contagious,” and venting in a public forum can inflame the situation rather than resolve it.
I once made the mistake of posting about a heated disagreement I had with a business partner. Instead of support, I got advice from people who only knew part of the story. Let’s just say it didn’t help.
2. Excessively Negative Rants
Constant negativity creates a toxic environment for both you and your followers. It can lead to others unfollowing you or, worse, lowering their perception of you.
Negativity bias—coined by psychologist Roy F. Baumeister—states that we naturally pay more attention to negative events than positive ones. By always showcasing negativity, you amplify those feelings and thoughts.
Sometimes, try journaling your feelings privately first. Processing negativity off social media can be cathartic without dragging others into the emotional whirlwind.
3. Inappropriate Personal Photos or Videos
Oversharing private images (or those that are overly explicit) can harm your reputation and invite unwanted attention.
Carl Jung’s concept of the persona suggests we wear different “masks” in different social settings.
The ultra-personal or provocative content might clash with the professional persona you need in another aspect of your life.
4. Unverified or Fake News
Spreading misinformation can damage your credibility and contribute to the confusion that already runs rampant online.
Leon Festinger’s cognitive dissonance theory shows how we try to maintain internal consistency.
Once you post misleading information, you may find yourself defending it—no matter how shaky the source is—just to avoid the discomfort of admitting you were wrong.
5. Detailed Financial Information
Broadcasting your exact earnings, account details, or major monetary wins can invite scammers or fuel envy.
Social comparison theory, also developed by Leon Festinger, explains how we measure our worth by comparing ourselves to others. Flashing financial gains may leave your followers feeling inferior, or it could invite negative comparisons that affect your relationships.
In my early days of business, I excitedly posted a large revenue milestone on social media. I quickly learned it stirred up jealousy, confusion, and even proposals for “quick cash” partnerships that made me uncomfortable.
6. Confidential Work Information
Breaking NDAs or workplace confidentiality can lead to legal trouble and severely damage your professional reputation.
Impression management, a concept by sociologist Erving Goffman, emphasizes how we try to control the impressions others have of us.
Accidentally leaking sensitive company info leaves a lasting negative impression—no matter how good your intentions were.
7. Personal Location in Real-Time
Letting the world know you’re away from home (and exactly where you are) can make you vulnerable to theft or stalking.
The online disinhibition effect describes how we become less cautious when communicating digitally. We forget that social media isn’t just a cozy living room chat—sometimes it’s more like shouting personal details in a crowded street.
8. Humblebrags and Thinly Veiled Boasts
The “humblebrag” often comes across as disingenuous, and people can sense the hidden brag. It can erode trust over time.
Self-verification theory suggests we desire others to see us as we see ourselves.
When you humblebrag, you’re painting an inconsistent portrait—claiming humility yet fishing for compliments. This contradiction can cause discomfort in those reading it.
9. Passive-Aggressive Status Updates
Vague posts aimed at certain individuals but not naming them can create tension and speculation among your friends and followers.
Carl Rogers, a pioneer in humanistic psychology, stressed the importance of authentic communication. Passive-aggressive updates are the opposite—they hide real feelings behind vague or sarcastic statements, hindering genuine connections.
10. Knee-Jerk Political Hot Takes
Jumping into polarizing issues without careful thought can alienate followers and escalate conflict.
Confirmation bias—the tendency to seek out information that supports our pre-existing beliefs—means people will often respond with emotional, rather than rational, reactions. This can lead to unproductive back-and-forth battles instead of healthy discourse.
If you’re passionate about a political issue, consider backing your stance with credible sources and aim for constructive dialogue, rather than a blanket statement that inflames opinions.
Final Thoughts
Social media is a powerful tool that can either build us up or wear us down. As someone who’s spent years diving into psychology, self-improvement, and mindfulness, I’ve learned the hard way that a few thoughtless posts can lead to real consequences—both online and in real life.
Remember the wisdom of Carl Jung: “You are what you do, not what you say you’ll do.” Carefully consider every post. When in doubt, reflect offline first. You’ll thank yourself later.
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