If you’re like me, you may be intrigued by folks who maintain public social media profiles. They seem to live life in the open, sharing experiences, opinions, and emotions with the vast online world.
This behavior is not random or without reason. It’s actually linked to certain personality traits, according to psychology.
Having a public social media profile isn’t a casual decision for everyone. For some, it’s a reflection of their character and approach to life.
Each person’s social media habits are unique, but you might notice some commonalities among those who keep their profiles public.
In this article, we’ll explore “8 unique traits of people who keep their social media profiles public,” based on psychological research. Understanding these characteristics can offer fascinating insights into the world of social media and the people who inhabit it. Let’s dive in.
1) Openness to experience
People who maintain public social media profiles often exhibit a high degree of openness to experience. They are typically the ones who embrace novelty, enjoy variety, and have a broad range of interests.
This personality trait is evident in their posts and interactions online. They freely share their thoughts, feelings, and life events with an openness that can be refreshing yet puzzling to some.
Openness isn’t just about sharing for sharing’s sake. It’s about willingness to engage with the world and a hunger for diverse experiences. These individuals don’t shy away from expressing themselves or exposing their lives to public scrutiny.
But it’s important to remember that while being open can invite connection and understanding, it can also leave one vulnerable to criticism and judgment. This openness is a double-edged sword – it can bring them closer to their online community, but also expose them to potential negativity.
Keeping a public profile is thus not just a random choice – it’s a reflection of their willingness to engage, connect, and share their lives with others, regardless of the potential risks or challenges involved. This trait alone sets them apart from those who opt for more private online personas.
2) Need for validation
Contrary to what you might assume, folks with public profiles aren’t always seeking attention or approval from others. In fact, many are comfortable with who they are and don’t necessarily need likes or comments to validate their worth.
Their posts and shares online aren’t solely for the purpose of seeking approval or generating reactions. They communicate, express, and share because they believe in the value of their thoughts and ideas, independent of how many likes or shares they get.
This trait is often misunderstood as a desperate bid for attention. In reality, it’s about authenticity and self-confidence. They are comfortable in their skin and with their identity. They don’t need external validation to feel good about themselves – they derive that from within.
Their public social media profiles can thus be seen as platforms for self-expression rather than channels for seeking validation. They are confident individuals who believe in the power of their voice and the worthiness of their experiences, regardless of the level of engagement they attract.
3) High levels of extraversion
People who keep their social media profiles public are often outgoing and sociable. They thrive on interaction and communication, and their online behavior is a clear reflection of this.
Extraverts tend to be energized by social interactions, and social media provides a perfect platform for such engagement. They are more likely to post regularly, share personal experiences, and engage in discussions with their followers.
Extraversion, however, doesn’t mean they don’t value privacy. It’s just that their idea of privacy may be different from those with more introverted traits. They find joy in sharing and connecting with others, even if it’s through the lens of a public social media profile.
This doesn’t indicate a lack of depth or introspection. On the contrary, many extraverts use their public profiles as platforms to delve into substantive issues and share thoughtful insights. Their extroverted nature simply means they are more comfortable doing so in a public arena.
4) Compassion and empathy
People who keep their social media profiles public often have hearts that are just as open. They tend to be compassionate and empathetic, using their platforms to spread positivity and understanding.
They are often the first to lend a virtual hand or share a supportive comment. They understand that everyone is fighting their own battles, some of which are invisible to the naked eye. In the digital landscape, kindness can go a long way, and they make it a point to share it generously.
It’s not uncommon to see them engaging with posts that resonate with them on an emotional level, or sharing content that promotes empathy, compassion, and understanding. They believe in using social media as a tool for connection and support, rather than division or negativity.
5) Authenticity
People with public social media profiles are often genuine in their online interactions. They are unafraid to show their real selves, warts and all, and this authenticity makes them incredibly relatable.
They share their joys and successes, but they also don’t shy away from posting about their struggles and failures. They understand that life isn’t always picture-perfect, and they don’t attempt to portray it as such on social media.
It’s this honesty and authenticity that make their posts resonate with others. Their followers appreciate the reality they present, rather than a filtered version of life.
This authenticity extends to their interactions with others on these platforms too. They engage in genuine conversations, ask real questions, and provide thoughtful responses. Their public social media persona is a true reflection of who they are off-screen.
6) Curiosity
People who keep their social media profiles public often possess a healthy sense of curiosity. They have a strong desire to learn, explore, and understand the world around them – and social media provides a perfect platform for this exploration.
Take for instance, a friend of mine who maintains a public Instagram profile. She’s always sharing fascinating articles she’s read, posting about intriguing documentaries she’s watched, or discussing thought-provoking books she’s devoured. Her posts clearly reflect her curious nature and thirst for knowledge.
This curiosity isn’t confined to their own learning. They often engage their followers in discussions, seeking their perspectives and insights on various topics. It’s about broadening their understanding and gaining new perspectives.
Their public profiles are thus not just platforms for self-expression but also tools for learning, exploration, and intellectual growth. This curiosity makes their digital presence dynamic, engaging, and full of interesting content.
7) Resilience
Keeping a public social media profile isn’t always a walk in the park. It requires a good deal of resilience. The internet can be a tough place, and people with public profiles face their fair share of criticism and negativity.
They encounter trolls, deal with harsh comments, and sometimes even face personal attacks. Yet, they continue to share and express themselves openly, demonstrating a strong sense of resilience.
It’s not about being immune to criticism or negativity. On the contrary, they feel the sting just like everyone else. But they choose not to let it silence them or deter them from being themselves.
They’ve learned to take the good with the bad and continue to maintain their digital presence with grace and strength. This resilience is not just about surviving online; it’s about thriving despite the challenges that come with online visibility.
8) Self-awareness
Above all, individuals who keep their social media profiles public often display a high level of self-awareness. They understand their motivations for sharing, are aware of their digital footprint, and recognize the impact of their online behavior.
They know that everything they post becomes part of their online identity. They understand the implications of this and make conscious decisions about what to share and how to engage with others on these platforms.
This self-awareness is crucial as it guides their online behavior. It helps them navigate the complexities of the digital world with integrity and authenticity.
In a world where our online personas can sometimes feel detached from our real lives, this self-awareness keeps them grounded. It serves as a reminder that behind every post, like, share, or comment, there’s a real person with real emotions, experiences, and stories to tell.
Conclusion
Understanding the traits of those who keep their social media profiles public is more than just an exploration of online behaviors—it’s about appreciating the diversity of human experiences and perspectives.
This article aims to shed light on the unique characteristics that define these individuals, but remember, everyone’s social media journey is unique.
Time spent on social media, when used as a platform for genuine connection and self-expression, can be enriching and fulfilling.
And being truly authentic means not allowing societal norms or expectations to dictate how you should present yourself online.
Here’s to embracing our individuality, celebrating our unique traits, and harnessing the power of social media to express, connect, and grow!
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