Ever wondered why your follower count seems to be dwindling, or why you get that awkward silence when you post on social media?
Well, you might be unknowingly committing some cardinal social media sins. After all, we all have those posts that make us cringe, roll our eyes, or hit that unfollow button faster than you can say “unsubscribe.” So, before you hit “post,” beware! Here are some of the most common posts that are guaranteed to send your followers running for the hills.
1. The humblebrag.
We get it, you’re awesome. But constantly posting about your achievements, new car, or exotic holiday can come across as bragging, even if you try to disguise it as gratitude or humility. People are more likely to celebrate with you if you share your successes genuinely and without a hint of arrogance.
2. The vaguebooking status.
You know the ones: “I can’t believe this is happening to me” or “I’m so done with people.” These cryptic posts are designed to elicit attention and sympathy without actually revealing what’s going on. It’s like fishing for compliments and concern, but it often comes across as manipulative and attention-seeking.
3. The oversharing TMI post.
While it’s great to be open and authentic, there’s a line between sharing and oversharing. Nobody needs to know every detail of your medical condition, relationship drama, or bathroom habits. Save the TMI for your closest friends, and keep your social media posts more general and relatable.
4. The political rant.
Everyone’s entitled to their opinions, but turning your social media into a political soapbox can be a major turn-off for many people. If you constantly post angry rants, conspiracy theories, or partisan attacks, you’re likely to alienate a significant portion of your audience. It’s important to be respectful of differing viewpoints and to engage in healthy dialogue rather than aggressive debates.
5. The attention-seeking selfie overload.
Selfies can be a fun way to express yourself, but posting an endless stream of them can make you seem self-absorbed and vain. If your feed is filled with nothing but duck-faced poses and filtered photos, people might start to question your substance and depth. It’s okay to share a selfie here and there, but try to mix it up with other content that reflects your interests and personality.
6. The sponsored content spam.
Source: Unsplash We understand that influencers need to make a living, but constantly bombarding your followers with sponsored content can feel inauthentic and annoying. If every other post is an ad for a product you barely use, people will start to tune you out. It’s important to strike a balance between sponsored content and genuine, personal posts.
7. The drama-stirring post.
Source: Unsplash Posting screenshots of private conversations, airing dirty laundry, or starting online feuds is never a good look. It’s immature, disrespectful, and can create a toxic environment for everyone involved. If you have a problem with someone, address it privately rather than broadcasting it for the world to see.
8. The chain message or “like and share” post.
Source: Unsplash These posts are often filled with misinformation, emotional manipulation, or empty promises. They clutter up people’s feeds and can be annoying to those who don’t want to participate in the chain. It’s best to avoid sharing these types of posts and focus on creating original content that adds value to your followers’ lives.
9. The cryptic quote with zero context.
Source: Unsplash We all love a good inspirational quote, but sharing them without any context or explanation can make people scratch their heads. Is it a personal mantra? A reaction to something happening in your life? Or just a random thought? If you’re going to share a quote, add your own personal touch to it, explain why it resonates with you, or relate it to a specific experience.
10. The passive-aggressive subtweet.
Source: Unsplash If you have a problem with someone, it’s best to address it directly rather than resorting to passive-aggressive subtweets. These thinly veiled insults might make you feel clever or superior, but they ultimately create a negative atmosphere and can damage your reputation. Take the high road and communicate your concerns openly and honestly.
11. The “I’m not like other girls” post.
Source: Unsplash This type of post is often meant to be empowering or self-deprecating, but it can come across as judgmental and exclusionary. It implies that there’s something wrong with being like other people, which is not only untrue but also hurtful. Embrace your individuality without putting other people down.
12. The “I woke up like this” post with a full face of makeup.
Source: Unsplash We all love a good filter or a bit of makeup magic, but pretending you woke up looking flawless is just disingenuous. It sets unrealistic expectations and can make people feel insecure about their own appearance. Be honest and authentic about your beauty routine, and remember that everyone is beautiful in their own way.
