The pitfalls of online exposure

Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about the dangers of giving out too much online,social media and everything I engage with as an author. I’ve had much cause for concern on behalf of my patients, whose vulnerable conditions frequently incur online bullying and offensive feedback when they give out personal details that many empathise with but far from everyone. We see it all the time, famous people, Royals and anyone in vulnerable positions and situations expressing personal opinions and giving advice to people with similar problems.

WHERE DO WE DRAW THE LINE BETWEEN PERSONAL AND PUBLIC MATTERS?

What we may consider to be part of everyone else’s life doesn’t necessarily mean it is.

Think about it. Not so long ago, before the Internet, and social media, people turned to family and friends, to express their needs and personal concerns.

Nowadays, we’re so used to giving out personal information about ourselves, our lives and most private concerns and views. But the Internet and online accessibility aren’t our Friends and Family, they’re good to express opinions on a variety of things but they don’t Care about us and certainly don’t know anything about us. So, why the need to confess private views on everything from personal tastes and views of others and current affairs? Perhaps, it’s the ability to be part of a bigger context or the need to be heard and seen all the time even if there’s no real reasons for it.

IN REAL LIFE WE DON’T NEED AND EXPECT TO BE PART OF EVERYTHING

We keep our personal thoughts and views where they belong: To ourselves and share them with the people with Know and Trust. Why the sudden need to give out so much of ourselves, our views and lives to strangers?

Sure, it’s important to be part of something that matters but the downside is that by giving out too many personal details, we risk exposure in the wrong places, wrong people and situations. Always remember everything stays online for strangers to view and the people we care about.

I know a lot of people whose lives have been destroyed by the constant need to be seen and heard on social media. And I’m not referring to the usual celebrities whose consistent noise and product marketing dominate daily news and get too much attention. I’m talking about people whose lives are dictated by them and everything they want them to believe is right from their points of views.

ALWAYS KEEP A PART OF YOURSELF PRIVATE

Connecting with like minded people is good but too much exposure isn’t.

Bear that in mind next time people want to join your LinkedIn Page and pretend

to care about your views and when your social media followings seemingly agree on things that are close to your heart. Make a conscious decision on how much you’re willing to share with strangers and listen to your gut feeling. If something doesn’t feel right it usually isn’t