To learn more about our inner filters, we contacted Phil Reed, D.Phil., who is a professor of psychology at Swansea University.
"There are many reasons why people overshare," Dr. Reed told Bored Panda. "A lack of awareness about the dangers is one, but also the lack of 'real' social feedback online is a big contributor. Since there is a degree of anonymity, certain a lack of immediate feedback, people tend to get it wrong in terms of sharing."
However, even though the reasons why people overshare may vary, the act itself seems pretty much universal. Also, researchers from The University of Edinburgh and Northwestern University in Illinois found that the risk of oversharing in conversation actually increases as people age.
When testing 100 people from 17 to 84 years old on their attention skills, the researchers discovered that the older subjects provided listeners with more irrelevant details than their younger peers. As this behavior can be dangerous — older people, for example, might accidentally reveal private info to strangers looking to take advantage — this finding is essential in helping "design targeted training that helps older adults improve these skills and avoid embarrassing and potential risky communicative errors,” said lead researcher Madeleine Long, of the University of Edinburgh's School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences.
Dr. Reed said people should be very wary of oversharing. "It can compromise personal security, and personal safety, as well as lead to bullying."
"It can also make people very vulnerable psychologically; if they are feeling low, overshare to get support, and are attached for it, then depression can set in."
To keep ourselves in check, Dr. Reed suggests treating communication on the internet the same as in real life.
"Remember, online is just as much of a social interaction as in the real world," he said. "Do not share anything online that you would not in real life. People can get a little impulsive with their digital interactions, so just remember that. Perhaps count to 10 before sharing."
But if you are bothered by another person who starts to give you too much information, psychotherapist Amy Morin says your first line of defense should be to change the subject.
For instance, try saying, 'Sorry to hear that. Have you heard the weather for tomorrow?' Sometimes people will take the hint, but you may need a more direct approach if the other person continues to overshare.
