Social media and privacy are two conflicting viewpoints. Some prioritize privacy and limit their online footprint, while others compromise it to stay connected. Here are the reasons for this trade-off and why I personally value my social life over privacy.
1 Social Norms and Expectations
When I first joined social media, I didn’t mind much about privacy. Sharing personal information and photos with friends and family was the norm. As more people entered space, being active on social media and engaging with others became expected. This can make you compromise your privacy just to fit in and gain social acceptance.
Other times, my privacy was compromised without much choice. I used WhatsApp for years before Meta (owner of Facebook, Instagram, etc.) bought it. But given how many people use WhatsApp for daily communication, moving to a more secure platform like Signal is out of the question. No-one I know uses it, and forcing my hundreds of contacts to move is a non-starter. Everyone knows Signal is more private than WhatsApp, but people are embedded in one platform.
2 Seeking Engagement
I really enjoy the likes, comments, and shares on my posts, and I know many others feel the same. It’s human nature to seek attention and validation, and social media makes this easy. Popular posts spark conversations, build friendships, and create networking opportunities.
However, this quest for popularity often compromises privacy. To gain more attention, I sometimes share personal stories I wouldn’t usually reveal in person—exposing my identity to cyberbullying, identity theft, and other online threats.
3 Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)
Fear of missing out (FOMO) is another reason I compromise my privacy. In today’s digital age, you can see what others do on social media. This often leads to comparison traps and triggers a sense of inadequacy.
For instance, seeing friends post about parties you weren’t invited to or sharing vacation photos you can’t afford can create social isolation. You could feel pressured to share personal information to stay relevant and involved—ultimately compromising your privacy.
4 Work and Professional Connections
Social media also play a crucial role in professional networking. LinkedIn profiles act as online resumes, while X (Twitter) often announces job opportunities. A strong online presence can increase visibility and enhance career prospects.
To stay connected, you must share personal details like your education, interests, and work experience. However, if you prioritize privacy, you might miss out on job openings or collaborations. This is a common dilemma for professionals who value privacy but need a strong online presence.
5 Limited Control Over Data Sharing
Besides my actions, external factors can also violate my social media privacy. A major concern is the limited control over data sharing. Even with cautious sharing practices, we’re still at the mercy of others.
One such incident occurred when my friend posted a group photo on Facebook. It was an embarrassing photo from a night out, and I had no idea it was being uploaded—images like this are one of the main things to avoid on social media.
Although he couldn’t tag me because I had disabled that feature, it still appeared in his newsfeed and was visible to our mutual friends. I felt violated and disappointed since my privacy was compromised without my knowledge or consent. Seeing this brought to light our limited control over our social media.
Online retailers require account creation, which involves sharing details like your name, email, phone number, and shipping address, even for virtual products. They also ask for sensitive financial information, such as credit card numbers and bank account details.
Although this information is necessary for purchases, it also carries a risk of data breach and targeted marketing. It can lead to unauthorized purchases or identity theft in the wrong hands. Despite these risks, I prefer online shopping for its convenience. It’s quick, saves time, and offers more choices. With a few clicks, items can be delivered right to my doorstep.
While I often compromise my privacy, it doesn’t mean I’m comfortable. My privacy is valuable, and I know the risks involved. Today, however, avoiding social media is nearly impossible. To balance social engagement with privacy, I closely monitor my privacy settings and what I share on social media.
