This dress looks great on me; I’ll take a photo of it and share it on Instagram.

This book sounds really interesting; I’ll tweet about it.

This moment with my partner is so precious; I will post it on Facebook.

Don’t we all do that whenever something special happens? We have an instant urge to share every moment of our lives on social media.

Whether we are on vacation or enjoying a romantic date, we follow the mantra of sharing, or perhaps more accurately, flaunting.

But have you ever wondered how much sharing is too much, and when to draw the line?

Why this insistence?

Dr Gaurav Gupta, Gurugram-based psychiatrist and co-founder of Emoniids (a mental health start-up), said, “In today’s digital age, sharing personal life on social media has become a norm due to the desire for connection, validation, and self-expression. People often seek likes, comments, and shares as a form of social acceptance, which can boost self-esteem and create a sense of belonging.” india today,

Agreeing with this, Ahmedabad-based psychiatrist Dr. Sarthak Dave says that this also gives people a feeling of belongingness.

He adds, “Sharing online makes them feel recognised and valued, especially when they don’t get that recognition in their ‘offline’ lives. And honestly, who wouldn’t enjoy receiving a compliment for their latest success or a picture of their cute pet?”

Meanwhile, Dr Mazhar Ali, consultant psychiatrist at Hyderabad-based Care Hospitals, said that influencing people through social media has become a popular career in recent times, and many people have become involved in its obsessive use.

“There should be a clear limit on posting only 20 to 30 per cent of your personal life on social media,” he said.

draw the line

Dr. Dave believes that it is very important to maintain a balance. He said, “Think of social media as a spice – using it a little bit makes things better, but using it too much can make things worse.”

The doctor says you can share important moments, like a promotion or a fun trip, but there’s no need to post every meal or workout. Often, less is more, and it may be more appealing to keep some things private.

Dr Ali also believes that drawing a boundary is important. He says, “In today’s generation, information is power and it can be misused very easily. Posting personal or sensitive information on social media makes it easy for others to target you. Draw a boundary, especially when it involves content that should be private or involves the privacy of others – such as children.”

According to the doctor, if you feel that you are unable to stop constantly posting about your personal life, then you should not shy away from seeking professional help.

In addition, Dr. Gupta says, “Setting boundaries includes setting personal boundaries and regularly assessing the impact of social media on your mental health. If sharing starts to feel compulsive or stressful, it’s time to reevaluate. Prioritize face-to-face interactions and offline experiences to maintain a healthy balance.”

When to stop?

You should completely stop posting your personal life on social media when:

• Constantly receiving hateful comments, causing anxiety
• it triggers any psychological trauma
• being body-shamed for appearance, which affects self-esteem
• Verbal attacks or threats due to posting that causes concern
• It feels like a compulsive habit
• It feels too heavy to share
• You seek validation from social media in life
• You constantly monitor the likes, comments, or shares you receive
• You worry about other people’s choices or compare yourself to others

If your habit of posting online turns into an obsession, try uninstalling the app for a week and see how you feel.

Use that time for offline activities, like reading, taking a walk, or meeting friends in person. If you feel your mood improve, that could be a sign to extend your break or reduce your social media use in the long run.

Fake life online

How many times have you shown off on social media? We all have done it. But doing so can affect your mental health.

Dr Dave says, “Sometimes people feel deprived of attention, validation, quality time from their loved ones. So, they pretend to fit in, get praise, or impress others on social media. It’s like wearing a mask – it may seem helpful, but it’s exhausting. Over time, it can lead to feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, and even depression. Maintaining the pretense is hard work, and it can take a serious toll on your mental health.”

Dr. Ali further explains, “Social media can lead to escapism and harm your relationships with real people, leading to loneliness, severe anxiety, or depression. Typically, social media addiction is followed by isolation and obsessive behavior. Often, an excessive need for validation is displayed, and the person may begin to experience imposter syndrome or an irrational fear of being exposed or exposed as a fraud.”

instead…

• Being AuthenticShare real moments that reflect who you are.
• Limit screen time and set boundaries: Make time for hobbies like painting or hiking. Go on a social media detox on weekends and try new activities.
• be alert: Ask yourself if sharing is necessary and respectful. Make sure your posts add value or promote constructive conversation.
• Respect privacy: Keep private moments like family gatherings or accomplishments offline. Share intimate moments only with close friends.
• Stay BalancedUse social media to connect, but set limits like no scrolling before bed.
• Quality Conversation: Comment thoughtfully on posts or share helpful tips.
• Promote positivity: Share inspirational stories or quotes that motivate you.