Avoiding vulnerability is a common social networking response that ultimately worsens it. Understanding the paradoxical relationship between vulnerability and social networking opens new pathways for recovery.
How Avoiding Vulnerability Maintains Social Networking
- Concealing social networking from others prevents the connection that would help
- The energy required to maintain a facade when social networking is high is enormous
- Shame about social networking thrives in secrecy — vulnerability interrupts this
- Authentic expression of social networking often elicits the support that reduces it
Brené Brown's Research Relevance to Social Networking
Brown's research shows that people with high levels of shame (common in social networking) avoid vulnerability — which paradoxically increases shame and social networking. Courage to be vulnerable interrupts this cycle.
Practicing Vulnerability with Social Networking
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.