People who keep their social media on private and rarely post usually have these 8 traits

There’s a certain mystique to those who keep their social media accounts private and rarely post. It’s almost as if they’re part of a secret club with exclusive rules.

While many of us share every aspect of our lives online, these folks choose to pull back the curtains sparingly. But why? What is it about them that makes them so cautious about sharing their lives in the digital world?

In this article, we’re going to delve into 8 common traits of people who keep their social media on private and rarely post. Because, believe it or not, their online behavior says a lot more about them than you might think. 

Let’s dive in. 

1) They are privacy advocates

Hidden behind the private accounts and sparse posts is often a strong advocate for privacy.

People who maintain a low profile on social media usually value their personal space and privacy more than the average user. For them, privacy isn’t just about concealing embarrassing photos or keeping their personal life separate from their professional one.

It’s about owning their information and controlling who has access to it. By keeping their social media on private and posting sparingly, they exercise control over their digital footprint.

This trait doesn’t necessarily make them anti-social or paranoid. Instead, it signals a powerful awareness of how information can be used and misused in the digital age.

So, if you’re wondering why that friend of yours is so secretive online, consider that they might just be taking a stand for their privacy.

2) They’re selective communicators

I’ve noticed that my friends who keep their social media profiles private and rarely post are often more selective in their communication. They’re not ones for small talk or fleeting interactions.

Take my friend Maria, for example. She’s one of the most private people I know when it comes to her online presence. Her Facebook account is locked down tighter than Fort Knox and she posts maybe once or twice a year.

But this doesn’t mean she’s a recluse. Quite the opposite, in fact. When you do get a message from Maria, it’s thoughtful, personal, and often packed full of insights. She prefers deep, meaningful conversations over quick chats and surface-level discussions.

Her selectiveness in communication extends to her social media usage. By posting less frequently, she ensures that when she does share something, it carries more weight and is truly worth sharing.

This trait is a reminder that quality often trumps quantity, especially when it comes to communication.

3) They’re often more productive

You might not think your social media habits have much to do with your productivity levels, but think again. A study conducted by the University of British Columbia found that participants who were limited to checking their email only three times a day felt significantly less stressed and were able to focus more on their work.

Now, apply this to social media. Those who manage to keep their profiles private and post rarely are not constantly bombarded with updates, notifications and messages. They spend less time scrolling and more time focusing on their tasks at hand.

This reduced digital distraction allows them to be more present in their daily lives and often results in increased productivity. So, the next time you’re wondering why your low-profile friend is always finishing projects ahead of time or seems more focused, their social media habits might be a factor.

4) They value genuine connections

People who prefer to keep their social media on private and post sparingly often place great importance on genuine, meaningful connections. Rather than collecting a high number of followers or friends, they focus on maintaining strong ties with a smaller group.

These individuals view social media as a tool to keep in touch with loved ones, not as a platform for broadcasting their life to a wide audience. Their posts, though infrequent, tend to be more personal and meaningful, aimed at engaging with their close circle rather than impressing distant acquaintances.

This trait reflects a preference for depth over breadth in relationships. It’s not about how many people you know, but about the quality of the relationships you maintain.

5) They understand the importance of living in the moment

In today’s digital age, it’s easy to get caught up in capturing moments for social media rather than truly experiencing them. But those who keep their accounts private and post less frequently tend to be more present in their daily lives.

Instead of viewing life through a lens or a filter, they soak up the beauty of each moment as it unfolds. They understand the importance of making memories, not just snapshots for social media.

This trait is a beautiful reminder to all of us. Life isn’t about performing for an online audience, it’s about cherishing each moment and making real connections. So, instead of rushing to document every sunset or meal, they prefer to immerse themselves in the experience and truly enjoy it.

Their approach encourages us all to put down our phones more often and live in the moment.

6) They’re comfortable with solitude

There’s something incredibly liberating about being comfortable in your own company. I’ve found that people who keep their social media on private, and don’t post often, often share this trait.

For instance, my account is private and I rarely post. This is partly because I really enjoy my alone time. I find solace in solitude, it’s where I can tap into my creativity, reflect on my experiences, and essentially recharge.

When I do use social media, it’s to catch up with people I care about, not to fill up idle time or escape from being alone with my thoughts. This comfort with solitude translates into a healthier relationship with social media—one that doesn’t rely on constant updates or validation from others.

People comfortable with solitude understand that being alone doesn’t mean being lonely, and this understanding guides their approach to their online presence as well.

7) They’re confident in their own skin

People who keep their social media profiles private and post rarely often display a strong sense of self-confidence. They don’t feel the need to seek validation from others through likes, comments, or shares.

This doesn’t mean they don’t care about what others think, but they don’t let external opinions dictate their self-worth. Their happiness and self-esteem come from within, not from how they’re perceived online.

Their infrequent posts aren’t a sign of a boring life, but rather an indication that they’re busy living it. They don’t feel compelled to prove anything to anyone.

This trait is a testament to their authenticity and self-assuredness. They’re comfortable being themselves, both offline and online.

8) They value authenticity

Above all, people who keep their social media on private and post rarely have a deep appreciation for authenticity. They believe in being true to themselves and others, irrespective of online trends or societal pressures.

Their online presence, or lack thereof, is a reflection of this value. They don’t craft a perfect persona for the digital world, choosing instead to be their genuine selves. Their posts, while sparse, are authentic snippets of their lives, not carefully curated highlight reels.

This trait is perhaps the most important thing to understand about them. In a world where we’re often encouraged to portray an idealized version of ourselves online, their approach is a refreshing reminder of the importance of authenticity.

Final thoughts: It’s a conscious choice

The essence of our digital behavior rests largely on our personal values, preferences, and conscious choices.

For those who keep their social media on private and rarely post, this choice often stems from deeply held values. Values like privacy, authenticity, and the desire for meaningful connections. It’s a conscious decision to navigate the digital world in a way that aligns with who they are as individuals.

This is not to say that being open and active on social media is wrong or superficial. It simply highlights the diversity in the way we choose to interact with the world around us.

It’s a reminder that our online presence – or lack thereof – is not an accurate measure of our worth or happiness. That it’s okay to step back, to choose quality over quantity, and to be true to ourselves in an increasingly connected world.

In the end, whether we’re frequent posters or silent observers, what truly matters is that we use these platforms in a way that enriches our lives, respects our values and strengthens our connections with others.