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Why Oversharing Costs More Than You Think

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Revealing personal details builds bridges; the problem is oversharing.

Knowing where that line begins and ends is a critical judgment call.

Be more cautious about with whom you share what matters most.

“Did I say too much?” you panic. Maybe it doesn’t matter if you didn’t click on a date. But what if you’re at an interview? “Did I say enough?” Or at the office party, you reveal your crush on the boss or controversial opinions on strategy. Stakes are climbing. Regret and anxiety follow.

In any social, political, or workplace situation, there’s a fine line between articulating too much and too little. What is the right amount of personal disclosure and professional discretion?

Has it gone too far in today’s reveal-all culture? And does it put you at higher risk in a cancellation world?

A Rising Disclosure Trend

There’s a growing assumption that others crave to learn your inner secrets and opinions. After all, reality TV is booming. We’ve all read the LinkedIn openers, “I don’t normally share this kind of thing...” followed by revelations about everything from their dog to their addiction or trauma. The feed has become a confessional.

To what end, one might ask? For genuine advice or a virality play? When people post, they seek recognition. It’s the nature of the medium. We know that extreme, negative, or novel news commands greater attention. So regardless of content, you’re already sharing.

The impulse has roots in Brené Brown’s TED talk on "The Power of........

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