One thing that I have struggled with in terms of social media is the anxiety that I feel around posting and putting myself out there. When I do post, it doesn't make me feel any more connected socially; instead I often feel exposed and anxious. I ask myself questions like "Will anyone like my post?" or "Should I not have posted that? What will people think, and who will end up seeing this?" Some of this could be related to the fact that I have struggled with social anxiety throughout my life, and the permanence and public nature of social media seems to exacerbate my anxiety.
Due to this experience, I have been looking around at articles that address social anxiety and social media use. In my searches, I came across a study that claims the opposite: that because social media is not a face-to-face experience, that people with social anxiety prefer social media interactions (Posting photos on Facebook: The impact of Narcissism, Social Anxiety, Loneliness, and Shyness). Is there anyone else who struggles with social anxiety, and if so (and you feel comfortable answering), do you prefer find face-to-face or online interactions, and why?
I must confess, even writing such a personal blog post is outside of my comfort zone, despite the relatively small audience in this course. Or maybe this is a feeling that everyone deals with to some degree?
Rebecca,
ReplyDeleteFirst, thank you for your honest and thoughtful post. I totally respect that and look up to that. I think you are doing the right thing here.
Second, I can relate to some sort of social media anxiety from when I started using social media and making my accounts public. I no longer feel that way though. Years ago, I am not sure I would classify it as true "anxiety" but I definitely had an uneasy nervous feeling after posting pictures and personal information online. Now, I guess I kind of think that if someone wants to know something bad enough, they will track me down either way.
Third, I try not to worry about what others will think. We are all different, have different perspectives, opinions, etc. and that is what makes us unique. If someone disagrees or is nasty I usually chalk it up to a learning lesson or maybe they are just having a bad day, bad life/attitude, or just bad outlook on life and not let it get to me.
Now, this does not mean that I am mindful of what I post. I do always ask myself "Is this information, picture, or message something that I am okay with my family, friends, professional acquaintances, and potential kids okay with seeing?" If so, I post. If not, I don't.
I am willing to bet that some of what you experience is just because it is all so new to you and will get better with time, if you want it to. Good luck to you with this!
Thank you for your kind words, Kari-I really appreciate it! I would love to get over that hump, but I haven't really used social media enough to do so. Part of my reason for taking this course was to push myself out of my comfort zone, in the hopes that I would both learn some cool thins about social media and get more comfortable with using it. I sure hope it works!
ReplyDeleteHi, Rebecca. I, also, have anxiety about posting. Especially blogs but often discussion posts as well. I alway wonder if I understood the readings, had said anything stupid, etc. I also wonder why don't I sound as smart as my classmates. I've always been like that, but there is something about hitting that Publish, Post or Send button is frightening. You are not alone.
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