We're in the age of oversharing. I'd like to refer to it as the TMI generation for short. From the moment we open our eyes for the day, till we lay our heads down on the pillow at night, we share. Raise your hand if you've seen someone's breakfast (or lunch or smoothie), a shot of someone's feet walking towards Soul Cycle (or some other workout class), a baby (in utero) or a post-coitus selfie in the last week. *raises two hands*
What's the problem with the TMI generation? We possess an inflated sense of self-importance. Our every thought deserves a platform. These blueberries right here? These are special blueberries. They were made for Instagram, and I'd be remiss if I didn't share them with the world (read: my 403 followers). When we forcibly extract extraordinary from the mundane, it's like trying to juice a potato. It's just not there, fam.
Just because we talk more, doesn't mean that we say more. Think of the cliche "quality over quantity." Does your new lip kit really need a six-part Instagram story? How about your interaction with the CVS cashier? Probably not. Oversharing is not just annoying, it's also potentially dangerous to your headspace.
We've made voyeurs out of friends, family and strangers alike. When we voluntarily open the door to our homes and lives to strangers, we in turn give them the go-ahead to opine about our habits, lives, relationships or even our order from Starbucks! That filter, those boundaries become blurred. You share a selfie, and next thing you know @ballislyfe is telling you that he prefers your hair curly, and not braided. We start to measure our wins based on likes and re-tweets, and giving credence to non-factors from the inter-webs.
Is it worth it? I don't think so.
I'd rather not sort through the trolls and haters simply for the sake of gaining followers, and trust in the fact that my team, my real team, is forever ready and in formation. Not everyone is entitled to your time or thoughts. In the same way, not all of your thoughts or musings need to be shared and documented on social media.
Question: If you visit the Eiffel Tower and don't livestream, did it really happen? Of course it did! Life is not a sitcom with a live studio audience. How much of what we say is "tweetable?" How much of what we do is for the 'gram?
I make a concerted effort to curate my spaces, and part of protecting my mental includes choosing carefully what it is I share. I select my inner circle with the precision and exactness of a surgeon in the operating room. Energy is powerful and transferable. It is not infinite, and should be given out scrupulously. Vibrations are real. If we're not vibing at the same frequency, then I remove myself from the situation. Boundary is not a bad word. When you set up boundaries, you ensure that the people closest to you add value, meaning and positivity to your life. Not everyone wants to see you win, thrive or grow. When we overshare, and don't select who it is we're sharing with, we open the door for strangers, frenemies and plain ole' enemies to not only hate, but also send that hate our way. You don't have to like someone to be cordial and treat them with respect. Reserve your time, energy and vibes for those who deserve it, and unapologetically swerve past the non-essential white noise.