Social media can be a scary place for introverts. So much noise and activity, that it makes you wonder, how much exposure is too much exposure. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to navigate life now days without social media.
Social Media as a tool for introverts
We cannot deny that social media has helped a lot people who avoid communication, as oxymoron as it sounds. They have helped us keep up with acquaintances without really the need to communicate with anyone. In addition, social media have helped a lot towards using written messages as a main form of communication and shying away from dreaded phone conversations. Remember how many phone calls you had to endure for Happy Birthday before social media? It was a nightmare! While now it’s just a birthday wish on messenger and you are done.
But how can we use social to our benefit, without being overwhelmed from the endless stream of updates, notifications and messages and staying true to your unique personality? Let’s try to dive in and provide some helpful tips that I have gathered from my experience.
Decisions, decisions, decisions
First of all you need to set purpose for the profile you will be making. This could be different for each platform of course. Do you want to connect with like-minded individuals? Promote your business? Share your art and creativity? Keep up with news and gossip of your social circle?
Having a clear purpose in mind will help you stay focused and avoid getting lost in the sea of content.
Which platform is worth your attention.
There are so many social media platforms out there, it can be hard to know where to start. As an introvert, it’s important to choose platforms that align with your personality and goals and engage more on those, while have little or no presence to others.
Are you a writer? Check out Twitter or Medium. Love sharing pictures of your latest DIY project? Try Pinterest. If you’re into visual content, Instagram or TikTok might be your jam. And if you prefer intimate conversations, Facebook Groups (more difficult to stay anonymous) or Reddit (my personal favourite) might be more your speed.
Be authentic no matter what
We’ve all seen those Instagram influencers with perfectly curated feeds and 10,000 followers. But let’s be real, ain’t nobody got time for that. As an introvert, it’s important to stay true to yourself and your personality. Don’t feel pressured to conform to the expectations of others or present a false image of yourself online. Share your authentic voice and connect with others who appreciate and respect your unique perspective.
Remember, if you if you are on social media just to observe (as we are mostly doing in our every day lives) just observe, you are not obliged to post anything. Enjoy observing humanity at its best but also at its worst.
Also our ability to listen, observe, and reflect deeply can be a superpower on social media. Embrace your introverted nature and use it to your advantage. Maybe you prefer one-on-one conversations or in-depth discussions over small talk. That’s okay! By being true to yourself, you’ll attract the right kind of followers who appreciate and respect you for who you are.
Don’t forget to share pictures of your cat. Happy scrolling!
