Post as If No One’s Watching: A Guide to Having No Shame (and a Small Online Circle)
By Iris Vaughn
We’re told to dance like no one is watching, yet we feel embarrassed to post if very few are. The internet landscape is forever evolving, and over the years, it is less about sharing special moments and more about curating our vibe into an idealized version of ourselves. Social media in many ways can feel like a humiliation ritual. The algorithm works in mysterious ways, and our target audience is rarely reached, and the crowd is… quite?!?
Being perceived is humbling, but under the controlled environment of social media, don’t we all want to have encouraging observers of our best moments? I by no means am an influencer or content creator, and that is exactly why I am qualified to speak on the subject. While I would have used to archive, delete, or felt uncomfortable with low view counts, likes, comments, or posting in general, I have learned to post as if no one’s watching. So welcome to my guide to having no shame.
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#1 - The most important thing to remember is that posting is personal. While a post is inherently meant for an audience to perceive, the person who watches your videos and stories the most—and assesses or curates how your Instagram grid looks—is you. Creating content that feels satisfying is what posting is all about. Just like any hobby: if you’re not enjoying it, what is the point?
#2 - Treat social media as a virtual diary and remember it is just as much for others as it is for you to look back on. Post whatever you thoroughly enjoy. There are no rules to social media except that it should be a space to share people, things, hobbies, and places that speak to you.
“Why do you post when you have so few followers? - ‘cause I’m a diva.”
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#3 - Decide to live by IYKYK and “you just don’t get it”. It’s important to own what you post and fully recognize that you liked it, and that's why you posted it. Sometimes we all need a reminder that nothing is for everyone. Enough said.
Posting authentically makes for a better experience on the internet. While I just listed many reasons as to why social media is a personal experience, there is, of course, a community-driven aspect. Being genuine on social media allows small creators to find and support one another in an intimate way. My previous tip is an arrogant way of getting past the fear of being disliked, but in earnest, posting with no shame does attract those who “get it” and get you.
#4 - Being yourself always attracts what is meant for you, and the same applies online.
#IYKYK
