“My Facebook timeline has everything from struggle plates from the night’s dinner to somebody’s auntie in a hospital bed, hooked up to all kinds of tubes, waving to the camera.”

TMI. Too much information. Today’s society is overloaded with it.  Somehow, social media gives us way too much insight into people’s lives. My Facebook timeline has everything from struggle plates from the night’s dinner to somebody’s auntie in a hospital bed, hooked up to all kinds of tubes, waving to the camera.

It’s all TMI. The internet has made us want to purge. We now want to know everything about everyone and we want to know it now. What do we save and keep to ourselves?

Not much.

I’m the kind of person that people want to tell everything. The writer in me loves it because to me, there is a good story everywhere. But the introvert in me is uncomfortable with the fact that people want to often tell me too much about themselves too soon. While I appreciate the fact that people feel like I can be approachable, it makes me wonder why that person feels the need to share with someone who they don’t know.

You could be asking what does it mean to share too much too soon. If you have to ask, you probably are.

Keep a few things in mind.

• Determine the difference between acquaintances, associates, and friends. There is a difference. Acquaintances and associates are people from work, people who you may even see daily. But they should not be privy to all that is happening to you in your life. Your co-workers don’t need to be on your Facebook or Instagram page. They also don’t need to know who you are dating, about the fight you had with your boyfriend, or anything about your family life. They can know the basics: your name, that you are married (or not), have kids (even the number or their names), and that you work in the same office that they do. They should not know much about where you live, what you and your significant other do, or what happens in your personal life.
• Be aware of what you share on social media. Facebook has filters for a reason. Personally, I share pics of my kids with the friends only filter and you won’t catch pics of my kids on Instagram. I normally don’t tag anything with where I live specifically either. People are watching and with photoshopping tools, your pic of your kids could easily become a meme that is passed around for millions to view!
• Think before you speak. Easier said than done. Why are you sharing? Is it a thought-provoking topic that will generate great discussion with your friends or do you just want a little attention and think that pic or that status that looks like a cry for help will get you the attention you crave?

I admit, I get caught up on social media for hours sometimes. By the time I read the posts and laugh at all of the pictures, it can be a very entertaining place. And it should be a safe place to do so.

Coco Chanel made a quote something to the effect of less is more when it comes to wearing jewelry and accessories.

Touche.

~Tamara

Follow me on IG @bmorepeach and @caramellattesandstilettos