Social media has become pretty much second nature for most of us. We share moments, big and small, with a few taps. Posting a dorm move-in video, your first day at a new job, or that perfect photo at McKeldin Mall is fun, social, and it keeps us connected with friends and family no matter where they are.
The problem is that, sometimes, those same posts can reveal more than we intend, not just to classmates or followers, but to scammers, identity thieves, and even cybercriminals looking for easy targets.
Sharing too much information online, also known as oversharing, can lead to serious privacy breaches and unintended consequences. Here are some of the main risks associated with oversharing on social media:
- Identity Theft: When you post personal details like your birthday, address, or even your hometown, you’re giving identity thieves valuable puzzle pieces. They can use these clues to access your accounts, open credit lines in your name, or cause financial and reputational damage that’s difficult to undo. Sounds familiar? Yes! This was already discussed in a previous post.
- Social Engineering Attacks: Cybercriminals are master manipulators. They scour social media to gather information and craft believable phishing emails or fake profiles. Maybe you mentioned your pet’s name or the school you went to, details that can easily be used to guess passwords or security questions.
- Physical Security Risks: Posting your location or travel plans in real time (“Off to Cancun!”) might seem innocent, but it also tells potential burglars that your home is empty. Even the background of your photos, a street sign, a badge, or your kids’ school logo, can reveal more than you intend.
- Reputation Damage: Social media doesn’t forget. A post that feels funny or harmless today could resurface years later to a future employer, client, or colleague. Once something is online, screenshots and shares make it nearly impossible to erase.
- Loss of Privacy: When too many personal details are public, anyone, even complete strangers, can learn intimate information about your life. That visibility can open doors to stalking, harassment, or targeted scams.
We live in a connected world, about 73% of Americans use at least one social media platform, so “just don’t post” isn’t realistic advice. So how can you balance social media use with smart, secure core practices that are both promotional (e.g., increase well-being and connection) and protective (e.g., reduce the threat of cybercrime and reputational damage)? The goal isn’t to disappear online; it’s to post smartly. Here are some practical ways to protect yourself while still enjoying your digital life:
- Think before you post.
Ask yourself: Would I be comfortable if this ended up on the front page of a newspaper? Once you post something, you lose control of it. Even deleted content can live on in screenshots, archives, or backups. We have seen many celebs getting canceled for this exact reason. Before sharing, also look carefully at what’s in your photo’s background–notes, screens, addresses, and reflections can all leak private information. - Check your privacy settings.
Most platforms let you control who sees your posts. Take five minutes to review your privacy options. Set your default audience to “Friends” or “Close Friends,” and turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) to secure your account. Last week’s article might help you with this! - Curate your circle.
It’s worth reviewing your friend or follower list once in a while. If you wouldn’t wish someone “Happy Birthday,” they probably don’t need to see your personal updates. Keep in mind the "Mosaic Effect," small, harmless pieces of information that when combined, can paint a surprisingly detailed picture of your life. Another article talking about this in detail will follow soon. - Post later, not live.
It’s safer to share travel photos after you’re home. Real-time posts about vacations, events, or even daily routines can unintentionally announce your location to strangers. - Don’t overshare on dating apps.
Avoid linking your social media accounts or sharing too many personal details. Romance scams, where fraudsters build trust and then request money, cost U.S. victims $1.14 billion last year. Be cautious if someone quickly wants to move the chat off the app, and perhaps ask to meet in a public place. - Be aware of cyberstalking.
October isn’t just Cybersecurity Awareness Month, it’s also Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Unfortunately, many victims of partner abuse report being tracked through social media or spyware. If you receive threatening messages or believe you’re being monitored, don’t engage. Change your passwords, document the behavior, and contact law enforcement; cyberstalking is a crime.
And it’s not only individuals who suffer from oversharing, organizations do too. Employees posting about projects, clients, or “behind-the-scenes” activities can unintentionally reveal sensitive business information.
Even platforms like LinkedIn can be risky. Listing a government clearance level or project name may attract the wrong kind of attention. The National Counterintelligence and Security Center warns that foreign intelligence agencies often use social media to build relationships with people who have access to valuable data, as happened in 2017 when it was discovered how the Russians were using LinkedIn to advance their policies, spread disinformation, and to target or neutralize their adversaries.
Before you post, revisit any Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) or company policies you’ve signed, even if you are only an intern. Most organizations have clear guidelines about what’s appropriate to share. When in doubt, ask your communications or HR team or your mentor.
The bottom line is that although oversharing might start with good intentions, connection, community, or celebration, it can quickly expose you to risk. Every photo, post, or “check-in” tells part of your story. The more pieces you give away, the easier it is for someone to misuse them.
So next time you’re about to post, take a quick pause and ask yourself: “Am I sharing a memory or giving something away?”
Protect your privacy, your reputation, and your peace of mind. And when in doubt, maybe save the story for over coffee instead.