The Phenomenon of Oversharing Behavior on Social Media From A Clinical Psychology Perspective

Abstract

This study examines the phenomenology of oversharing behavior on social media from a clinical psychology perspective, focusing on the subjective experiences of individuals engaged in it. Oversharing, defined as the tendency to disclose highly detailed or sensitive personal information online, has become increasingly common in the digital era. Using a qualitative phenomenological approach, the research involved in-depth interviews to explore motivations, psychological factors, and perceived impacts. Findings reveal that needs for social validation, feelings of loneliness, identity-related anxiety, and insecure attachment significantly contribute to oversharing. While some participants reported feelings of support and care, long-term effects often included decreased mental well-being, such as anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Social media was also found to function as a space for identity formation and expression, yet it heightened vulnerability to social judgment. The study suggests that cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based strategies can help individuals regulate emotions, manage identity, and reduce oversharing in healthier ways.