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Some aspects of communication are distinctive online, and this might increase social anxiety. One such aspect is the culture of shares and ‘Likes’. When you post something and wait to see how many hearts or thumbs-up it receives, it can feel as though a specific number is being placed on your popularity or worth.
Why does social media give me anxiety?
A 2018 study suggests that social media use could result in a fear of missing out (FOMO). FOMO could in turn lead you to compare your experiences with others, sometimes creating a sense of inadequacy. This inadequacy may turn into social anxiety symptoms if you feel like you don’t “fit in” in certain social situations.
3 ways to overcome shyness on social media
- Be Yourself. Extroverts seem to be making all the money, so it’s easy to get caught in the trap of impersonating an extrovert to get social media traction.
- Leverage Your Superpowers.
- Choose the Platform That Fits Your Strengths and Your Audience.
Does social anxiety go away?
For some people it gets better as they get older. But for many people it does not go away on its own without treatment. It’s important to get help if you are having symptoms. There are treatments that can help you manage it.
It is more common in females than in males. However, social anxiety disorder is treatable. Talking therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and medications can help people overcome their symptoms.
How do introverts use social media?
Here are seven strategies to help make social media easier to manage as an introvert:
- Develop a persona. On social media, no one knows you’re an introvert, so you can choose not to be if you like.
- Think about your social strategy.
- Schedule posts.
- Forget the numbers.
- Follow fewer people.
- Take a break.
- Be genuine.
Social media fears evoke the body’s natural fight, flight or freeze response. The heart and respiratory rates increase, eyes dilate, eyelids raise and adrenaline is released. At some point, composure sets in and people say things like:
Is your social media fear stealing your time and money?
Successful social media requires investment in both. Social media fears (and the resulting mistakes) can sabotage your best intentions and steal your most precious non-recyclable resources: time, energy, and money. The best way to avoid wasting time and money is to have a plan.
The only path to getting there is to open the door and welcome your audience. If you’re still nervous about posting on social media that’s okay. After all, every single one of us has that one annoying colleague who posts incessant self-promo, makes ridiculous asks, and has a wall full of tasteless humblebrags.
Why am I Afraid of how people will react to me?
Your insecurities and fear of public reaction are not mutually exclusive. You are afraid of how others will react because you are not confident in your roots. And that’s perfectly normal, not many of us are. As many people here have already stated that this question might be your first step towards overcoming your fear.