Tara Whitmore
Social media makes it easy to share every part of your life with the world — from your morning coffee to your latest vacation snaps.
But just because you can share something doesn’t mean you should.
In fact, oversharing online can do more harm than good, especially when it comes to your privacy, security, and personal reputation.
If you want to protect your privacy, maintain your peace of mind, and avoid unnecessary drama, it’s smart to think twice before posting.
To help you out, here are 8 things you should probably never share on social media — no matter how tempting it might be.
1) Personal drama and conflicts
Stepping into the world of social media, it’s easy to feel like you’re in your own personal reality show.
And sometimes, the temptation to air out your personal dramas or conflicts is strong.
But here’s the thing – as much as it might feel good in the moment to vent or call someone out publicly, I would advise against it.
Sharing these moments of conflict for everyone to see can escalate situations, strain relationships and even impact your mental health.
What’s more, it leaves a digital footprint that isn’t easily erased.
The transient nature of emotions is a stark contrast to the permanence of social media posts.
So, even though it might feel cathartic in the heat of the moment to share these aspects of your life, they belong off the social media stage.
In essence, personal dramas or conflicts should stay private, not become public spectacle. This is one key thing you should probably never share on social media.
2) Your location in real-time
Ever heard of the term ‘digital footprint‘?
It’s a concept often discussed in relation to online safety. Essentially, it refers to the trail of data you leave behind when you use the internet.
And one of the most telling parts of your digital footprint? Your location.
Sure, checking in at that trendy new café or posting a beach selfie in real-time might earn you some social media envy.
But here’s the catch…
Sharing your real-time location can also pose security risks. It’s like leaving a digital breadcrumb trail that anyone can follow – friend or foe.
Not to mention, it also gives anyone access to personal information about your habits and routines. Information that, in the wrong hands, could be used maliciously.
So while it might be tempting to update your followers on your every move, consider the potential implications. Your location in real-time is another thing best kept off social media.
3) Your vacation plans
Following on from our last point, you might think that sharing your vacation plans could be a safe bet. After all, you’re not revealing your current location, right?
Well, it’s not as straightforward as it seems.
In fact, security experts say that revealing your vacation plans in advance can be just as risky as sharing your real-time location.
By broadcasting your absence from home, you’re inadvertently setting up a potential target for burglars. It’s an open invitation saying “Hey, my house is empty!”
Moreover, it can create an opportunity for online scammers to take advantage of your absence.
You might be excited about your upcoming trip to the Bahamas or skiing in the Alps, but it’s best to share the exciting details after you’ve returned.
That way, you get to relive the joy of your holiday and keep your home secure at the same time.
4) Financial details
Ever thought about how much information you’re giving away when you casually mention your financial details on social media?
It might not seem like a big deal to post a picture of your new credit card or share a post about your latest big purchase.
But be warned — sharing financial details is a dangerous game to play on social media.
The risks are twofold. Firstly, it can attract unwanted attention from potential thieves or scammers.
Secondly, it can contribute to an unhealthy culture of comparison and materialism. By continually highlighting our financial successes (or struggles), we may inadvertently pressure others to measure their worth by the same standards.
So next time you feel the urge to flaunt that shiny new purchase or vent about a financial mishap, pause and reconsider. Your wallet (and your friends) might thank you for it.
5) Sensitive personal information
Delving deeper into our digital interactions, there’s a category of information that should never be shared on social media.
This is your sensitive personal information. It might seem obvious, but you’d be surprised by how often we can slip up and share more than we should.
Here are some key examples:
- Social Security numbers
- Passwords
- Bank account details
- Home address
- Phone numbers
These details might seem innocuous in the moment, or might be shared in the spirit of trust and openness.
But once they’re out there on the internet, they’re potentially accessible to anyone. And that can lead to situations ranging from mild nuisance to serious identity theft.
Remember, some things are better kept private, even in our increasingly connected world.
6) Details about your workplace or job
Now, let’s talk about work.
We’ve all had those days where we just need to vent about a tough day at the office, a demanding boss, or a challenging coworker.
It’s natural to want to share these experiences, and social media often feels like the perfect platform for it.
Yet, it’s best to resist that temptation.
Why? I’ll tell you.
Sharing too much about our workplaces or jobs can inadvertently put our professional reputation at risk. After all, potential employers, clients, or colleagues might stumble upon these posts.
Furthermore, negative posts about your workplace could be seen as unprofessional or disrespectful. And let’s be honest, we don’t want that.
So next time you’re tempted to post about that annoying meeting or your office drama, maybe consider talking it out with a friend instead. Social media might not be the best place for it.
7) Photos of others without their consent
Picture this: you’re at a party, having a great time, and you snap a group photo.
You look great in it, so you’re eager to share it on your social media. But have you checked with everyone else in the photo?
Posting photos of others without their consent is something you definitely shouldn’t do.
The truth is, not everyone is comfortable with their image being shared online. People have different levels of comfort when it comes to their digital privacy.
And what if they had a spinach in their teeth or they just weren’t ready for the photo?
It’s always better to ask before you post. After all, how would you feel if the roles were reversed?
To add to that, psychologists also warn against posting pictures of your children. As Dr. Tali Shenfield explains, “When you start sharing images of your children from a young age, you deprive them of the right to choose their own level of online engagement.”
Keep this in mind the next time you’re about to share a group picture or a candid shot of a friend or family member. It’s not just about your online presence, it’s about respecting others’ as well.
8) Anything you wouldn’t want to be seen by everyone
And here we are, at our final point. The golden rule of social media sharing — do not do or say online what you wouldn’t do or say offline.
Simply put: never share anything on social media that you wouldn’t want to be seen by everyone.
Yes, you read that right. Everyone.
That includes your family, your boss, your neighbors, and even complete strangers.
Remember, once something is shared on the internet, it’s nearly impossible to completely erase it. Even with privacy settings, there’s always a risk of your content ending up somewhere you didn’t intend.
So always think twice before hitting “post”. If there’s even a slight doubt in your mind about whether it’s appropriate or not, it’s probably best to hold off.
Adhering to this principle can save you from a lot of potential discomfort and regret down the line.
Are you oversharing on social media?
Having navigated through these important points, it’s worth taking a moment to reflect on our own social media habits.
Are we oversharing? Could some of our posts potentially harm our digital or physical safety, or even our emotional well-being?
Here are a few additional things to ponder:
- How often do you check your privacy settings?
- Have you ever regretted a post immediately after sharing it?
- Do you pause to consider the potential impact of your posts?
Navigating the social media landscape can be complex, but with these guidelines in mind, we can make it a safer and more respectful space for everyone.
So the next time you’re about to hit “post”, take a moment. Reflect. And remember – not everything is meant for social media.
