Social media—it’s like the ultimate cocktail party, full of conversations, connections, and the occasional awkward moment.

One day, you’re posting cute pictures and sharing memes, and the next, you realize you’ve been unfriended or blocked. Ouch.

The truth is, navigating social media can be tricky.

Sometimes, the little things we do without thinking can quietly rub people the wrong way.

But here’s the good news: a few small tweaks can go a long way toward keeping your digital relationships intact.

Let’s look at ten habits that might be costing you followers and how to turn them around.

1) Over-sharing

We all have that one friend on social media who seems to document every single moment of their life.

While it’s great to share your experiences, there’s a difference between keeping your friends updated and bombarding them with unnecessary details.

Excessive sharing, especially of personal or sensitive information, can make people feel uncomfortable and overwhelmed.

This often leads to the ‘unfriend’ button being clicked.

Keep in mind that not every moment needs to be publicized. Maintaining a bit of mystery can actually make you more interesting to your social media friends.

So, think twice before you post that tenth selfie of the day or share every detail of your recent break-up.

Moderation is key when it comes to sharing on social media.

2) Negativity

There was a time in my life when I found myself constantly posting about the bad day I was having, or the irritating thing that had happened at work.

Essentially, my social media became a platform for venting my frustrations.

One day, a close friend pulled me aside and pointed out how my online persona had become overwhelmingly negative.

It was a wake-up call. My constant barrage of pessimism was pushing people away.

Social media should be a place for positivity and connection. Constant negativity can be draining for your friends and followers.

It’s okay to share your struggles occasionally, but try to balance it out with positive and uplifting content, too.

After all, no one wants to be around a perpetual cloud of gloom, even in the virtual world.

3) Ignoring etiquette

Believe it or not, there’s a right and wrong way to engage on social media, much like in real life.

Some people might not realize this, but every social platform has its own set of unspoken rules and etiquette.

For instance, on LinkedIn, it’s considered bad form to send connection requests without a personalized message, especially to someone you don’t know personally.

On Instagram, overposting can be seen as spamming, especially if the content is irrelevant or repetitive.

Ignoring these unwritten rules can lead to a swift unfriend or block from others on the platform.

It’s crucial to understand and respect the etiquette of each platform you’re using.

This shows that you respect others’ social media space and can result in a more positive online experience.

4) Lack of engagement

Social media is all about interaction and engagement.

If you’re the kind of person who only posts but never comments, likes, or shares other people’s content, it can come across as self-centered.

Think about it – would you continue talking to a friend who never responds to what you say but always expects you to listen to them? Probably not.

The same principle applies to social media. It’s a two-way street.

If you expect others to engage with your content, it’s only fair that you return the favour.

Engaging with others’ posts not only shows that you value their content but also encourages them to interact with yours.

It’s a win-win situation!

5) Being overly argumentative

We all have strong opinions on certain matters, and it’s perfectly fine to express them.

However, picking fights or constantly arguing with others on social media can quickly lead to alienation.

It’s important to remember that it’s possible to disagree without being disagreeable.

Respectful and constructive debates can lead to enlightening conversations, but turning every comment section into a battlefield can easily exhaust your friends and followers.

The key is to express your views respectfully and remember that it’s okay for others to have differing opinions.

After all, diversity in thought is what makes our world interesting!

6) Lack of authenticity

In a world filled with filters and curated feeds, authenticity is a breath of fresh air.

People are naturally drawn to those who are genuine and real.

On the other hand, if your social media persona feels fake or manufactured, it can put people off.

Constantly projecting an image of perfection not only creates unrealistic expectations but can also make people question your sincerity.

Being true to yourself and showing vulnerability can actually strengthen your connections.

After all, we’re all human, with our own strengths and flaws. Embracing and sharing these aspects of ourselves can make our social media presence more relatable and endearing.

So, let’s keep it real and authentic. It may just be the key to maintaining healthy online relationships.

7) Inappropriate tagging

A few years back, I was tagged in a picture from a party that, honestly, I wasn’t too proud of.

It was an unwelcome surprise to see it pop up on my feed, and it made me feel quite uncomfortable.

Tagging people in posts or photos without their consent can be a serious social media faux pas.

Not everyone is comfortable having every aspect of their life displayed online.

Before you tag someone, consider how they would feel about it. If you’re not sure, it’s always better to ask first.

This simple act of respect can go a long way in maintaining your online friendships.

8) Overly positive posts

While it’s important to keep your social media presence positive, going overboard can actually have a reverse effect.

If all your posts are about your achievements or perfect lifestyle, it might come off as boastful or even insincere.

Everyone has ups and downs in life, and it’s okay to share both. A balanced mix of highs and lows can make your social media presence more relatable and genuine.

The next time you have a moment of triumph, celebrate it. But also remember, it’s okay to share those quieter moments too.

9) Insensitive comments

In the digital age, it’s easy to forget that there’s a real person behind every social media profile, with their own feelings and experiences.

Making insensitive or offensive comments, even in jest, can deeply hurt others and lead to strained relationships.

Before you comment, take a moment to consider how it might be perceived by others.

Ask yourself, would you say the same thing if you were face-to-face with this person? If the answer is no, it’s probably not a good idea to post it.

Practicing empathy and kindness in our online interactions can make social media a much more pleasant place for everyone.

10) Not respecting boundaries

The most essential aspect to remember while navigating social media is to respect others’ boundaries.

This could mean refraining from posting controversial content, not tagging people without their permission, or avoiding oversharing.

Every individual has their own comfort level when it comes to online interactions.

Respecting these boundaries shows that you value the other person’s feelings and privacy.

Failing to do so can lead to misunderstandings, hurt feelings, and yes, even being unfriended or blocked.

So always treat others’ online space with the same respect you would want for your own.

Final thoughts

At the heart of social media is a simple idea: connection.

It’s where we share our lives, celebrate each other, and sometimes vent about the annoying barista who spelled our name wrong—again.

But like any relationship, online connections thrive on respect, kindness, and a little self-awareness.

Your posts, comments, and tags paint a picture of who you are. So, why not make it a picture people want to keep around?

A bit of empathy, a dash of authenticity, and a sprinkle of boundaries can transform your social media presence from “unfriend-worthy” to genuinely likable.

Take a moment to scroll through your habits. Are there any you’d change?

Because in the end, the secret to being a great digital friend is just being a great human.