The way someone interacts online often reveals more about them than their perfectly pleasant demeanor in person.
Social media amplifies aspects of their personality that they might not even realize exist.
Take the nicest friend you know. In person, they’re charming and thoughtful.
But then you scroll through their feed, and suddenly, it’s all oversharing, endless hashtags, or a string of “likes for likes” posts.
It’s like meeting a whole different version of them—the one they probably don’t see either.
Social media has this way of bringing out habits we don’t even notice, so let’s look at the most common habits that nice people unknowingly adopt—and learn how to avoid becoming “that person” online.
1) Over-sharing
We all know someone who just can’t resist sharing every single detail of their life on social media.
In real life, these individuals might be the sweetest people you’d ever meet.
But when they hop online, their posts become a never-ending saga of their latest meals, minor inconveniences, and a blow-by-blow account of their day.
This behavior is often innocent and well-intentioned, but it can cause followers to feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of posts.
It’s like being trapped in a one-sided conversation with no escape.
We all have interesting moments in our lives, but it’s important to remember that not every thought or event needs to be broadcasted to the world.
Some things are better left unsaid or shared in more intimate settings.
A little mystery never hurt anyone!
2) Jumping on every trending bandwagon
Now, this is one I’ve personally experienced.
There’s a friend I have, let’s call him John. In person, John is a delight; he’s thoughtful, funny, and always great company. But on social media, he transforms into a different persona.
Every time there’s a new challenge or trend on social media, John is the first one to jump on it.
Ice Bucket Challenge? Done. Mannequin Challenge? Completed. Latest TikTok dance? Mastered. It’s like clockwork.
While it’s fine to join in on fun trends occasionally, it can become tiresome when every single post is just chasing the latest fad.
It feels less genuine and more like an attempt to stay relevant or gain likes.
The beauty of social media is that it allows us to express our individuality. So instead of mindlessly hopping on every trend, it’s better to share content that truly reflects who we are and what we care about.
After all, authenticity never goes out of style!
3) Constant negativity
While social media can be a platform to vent and express dissatisfaction, a constant stream of negative posts can be a major turn-off for followers.
In real life, these individuals may be absolute rays of sunshine, but their online personas seem to focus solely on the downside of life.
Every post is a complaint about something – the weather, work, politics, or even their morning coffee.
Here’s something to ponder on: according to psychologists, being exposed to frequent negative posts on social media can actually affect our mood and mental health.
It’s called emotional contagion – we can ‘catch’ emotions from others, even online.
So next time you want to share something negative, consider the impact it might have on your followers
A good rule of thumb is to balance out any negative posts with positive ones. After all, we could all use a little more positivity in our newsfeeds!
4) Excessive self-promotion
Self-promotion is a part of life, especially for those who run businesses or have a brand to build.
However, there’s a fine line between promoting your work and becoming an online billboard.
Some people, as delightful as they are in person, often forget this balance on social media.
Every post is about their latest project, product, or achievement, turning their feed into a non-stop advertisement.
While it’s great to be proud of your accomplishments and share them with others, excessive self-promotion can make followers feel like they’re just a potential customer rather than a valued part of your social circle.
Additionally, studies reveal that excessive self-promotion tends to irritate followers more than it benefits you.
Finding a balance is key.
Share your achievements and promote your work, but also make sure to engage with your followers, show genuine interest in their lives, and share content that isn’t exclusively about you or your work.
5) Ignoring or not engaging with followers
Social media is about connection, about dialogue and exchange. It’s not a one-way street.
It’s surprising how many delightful and considerate individuals in real life become unresponsive on social media.
They share posts, but fail to respond to comments or engage with their followers in any meaningful way.
This behavior can make followers feel unvalued and ignored, as if they’re shouting into the void. Social media should be about building a community, not just broadcasting your life.
Engaging with your followers, thanking them for their comments, asking them questions, and showing interest in their lives can go a long way towards creating a more fulfilling and positive social media experience for everyone involved.
After all, at its heart, social media is about being social. And that means listening as well as speaking.
6) Posting without thinking
I’ll admit, I’ve been guilty of this one.
In the heat of the moment or in a rush to share something exciting, it’s easy to hit ‘post’ without taking a moment to think about what we’re putting out into the world.
A hastily typed comment, an ill-considered post, or a photo shared without the permission of everyone in it can cause a lot of problems down the line.
In real life, these individuals are considerate and thoughtful. But online, the immediacy of social media can lead them to act impulsively.
It’s always worth taking a moment before posting. Consider the content, the context, and the potential impact of your post.
Not only can this prevent misunderstandings and hurt feelings, but it can also help maintain your online reputation.
After all, once something is on the internet, it’s pretty hard to take it back. Trust me on that one.
We’ve all seen it: a post with a caption that’s dwarfed by an army of hashtags or a photo tagged with a dozen people who aren’t even in it.
In person, these individuals are respectful and considerate. But on social media, they tend to go tag-crazy in an attempt to gain more visibility or likes.
While it’s true that tags can help others find your content, overdoing it can be annoying for your followers.
It gives the impression that you care more about likes and views than about providing meaningful content.
So remember, when it comes to tagging, less is often more. Use them wisely and sparingly to maintain a clean, user-friendly feed that won’t drive your followers away.
8) Living for likes
At the end of the day, it’s crucial to remember that social media is not a popularity contest. While likes and followers can give us a quick ego boost, they shouldn’t be the sole reason for our posts.
Too often, genuinely nice people become obsessed with the numbers on social media.
According to research, higher social media use is linked to fear of missing out (FOMO), comparing oneself to others, and worrying about appearance, all of which contribute to disordered eating, body dissatisfaction, and lower life satisfaction
Every post is designed to get maximum likes, and they feel disheartened if the reaction isn’t what they expected.
This behavior can make followers feel like they’re being used for validation rather than being valued for their engagement.
So, here’s the most important thing to know: social media should be used to share moments that matter to you, connect with others, and express your true self – not just rack up likes.
Let authenticity guide you, and you’ll naturally attract a community that appreciates you for who you truly are.
Final thoughts
If there’s one thing social media has taught me, it’s that the line between endearing and irritating can be surprisingly thin.
In real life, we rely on tone, body language, and those little unspoken cues to connect. Online, we’re left with posts, captions, and emojis—hardly the full picture of who we are.
The truth is, even the nicest among us can stumble. Maybe it’s an impulsive post or an accidental overshare.
But here’s the beauty of it: just like in person, our digital selves can grow. A little thoughtfulness, a dash of self-awareness, and a sprinkle of empathy go a long way in keeping our feeds a reflection of our best selves.
Social media doesn’t have to be a minefield—it can be a mirror.
And when you look in that mirror, I hope you see someone who’s just as kind, genuine, and engaging online as they are offline.
