Impulse due to Emotions, Psychologist Explains Oversharing Phenomenon on Social Media

JAKARTA - In social media, the boundary between private and public spaces is getting thinner. Many people feel the need to share moments, heart-to-hearts, and even personal conflicts in real time.

Unbeknownst to them, this habit can turn into oversharing, which is sharing information excessively beyond the limits of one's own and others' comfort.

Psychologist Ayu S. Sadewo S.Psi, Psychologist, assessed that oversharing behavior often occurs without the perpetrator realizing it. The emotional impulse that is peaking often makes a person act impulsively, including when they want to upload something on social media.

"When emotions are intense, people tend to be more impulsive and think less about the impact of their uploads that what they upload may be excessive," said Ayu, as quoted by ANTARA.

The graduate of the Psychology Profession at the University of Indonesia explained that oversharing is characterized by the habit of sharing information excessively, especially in digital spaces. Content that is too personal or should be a private domain, but is published publicly, is one of its forms.

In addition, telling experiences that involve others without consent can also fall into the category of oversharing. This often goes unnoticed because it is considered part of freedom of expression.

"Content that is very 'emotional' or done when the intensity of emotions is high, too happy, too sad or too angry, or other emotions that are excessive," he added.

Ayu emphasized the importance of self-awareness before sharing something on social media. One simple strategy that can be done to prevent impulsive behavior is to implement the "pause" technique or take a moment before pressing the upload button.

By giving distance, the mind has the opportunity to return to working rationally. Emotions that previously dominated can subside, so that the decisions made become more mature.

"So that you are not impulsive, take a 'pause' first. Before uploading, take a moment, you can take a breath and exhale a few times, so that the thinking process is back on," he said.

Through this simple step, individuals are expected to be more wise in sharing stories in the digital space while maintaining a balance between the need for expression and privacy limits.