Avoiding vulnerability is a common social media response that ultimately worsens it. Understanding the paradoxical relationship between vulnerability and social media opens new pathways for recovery.
How Avoiding Vulnerability Maintains Social Media
- Concealing social media from others prevents the connection that would help
- The energy required to maintain a facade when social media is high is enormous
- Shame about social media thrives in secrecy — vulnerability interrupts this
- Authentic expression of social media often elicits the support that reduces it
Brené Brown's Research Relevance to Social Media
Brown's research shows that people with high levels of shame (common in social media) avoid vulnerability — which paradoxically increases shame and social media. Courage to be vulnerable interrupts this cycle.
Practicing Vulnerability with Social Media
Start small: share one authentic feeling with one trusted person. The feared negative response usually doesn't materialize — and when it doesn't, confidence in vulnerability builds.