I used to think social media was just about sharing snapshots of life and scrolling through other people’s updates.

But the more time I spent online, the more I realized how easily small behaviors could affect how we’re perceived.

What feels harmless—like sharing too much or ignoring a comment—can come across very differently on the other side of the screen.

The truth is, social media is a two-way mirror. How we present ourselves can impact how others feel about us, often without us realizing it.

Let’s explore eight common behaviors that unintentionally make people less likable online.

Who knows? You might spot one or two you didn’t realize you were guilty of.

1) Over-sharing

We’ve all seen them – those people on our feeds who share every moment, every thought, and every meal of their day.

Social media is a platform for communication and expression, but a fine line exists between sharing and over-sharing.

Often, people don’t realize when they’ve crossed this line.

Over-sharing can range from posting multiple updates within an hour to sharing intimate details that should probably stay private.

This behavior can be off-putting for many.

It’s not that people aren’t interested in what’s going on in your life; it’s just that they might not want to know about every single thing you do.

If you notice a decline in engagement or an increase in unfollows, it could be a sign that you’re sharing just a little too much.

A little mystery never hurt anyone. So next time you reach for your phone, ask yourself – does everyone really need to see this?

2) Overuse of hashtags

I remember when I first discovered the power of hashtags.

It was like unlocking a secret door to a whole new world on social media.

Suddenly, my posts could reach a wider audience, connecting me with people I’d never met.

But then, things started to change. I began to notice posts cluttered with so many hashtags that it was hard to decipher the actual message.

It was overwhelming and honestly, a bit annoying.

Overuse of hashtags is a common social media faux pas that many of us, including myself, have been guilty of at some point.

The intention is often good – we want to reach more people, engage in different conversations and increase our online visibility.

But when a post is drowning in hashtags, it can come across as desperate for attention rather than genuine interaction.

It’s a lesson I’ve learned the hard way – quality trumps quantity every time. So now, I stick to a few relevant hashtags and let my content do the talking.

3) Negativity

Did you know that the human brain reacts more strongly to negative stimuli than positive ones?

It’s an evolutionary mechanism that helped our ancestors survive in the wild.

However, in today’s digital world, this negativity bias can become amplified on social media.

Individuals who consistently post negative content, complaints, or controversial opinions often become less likable to their followers.

While it’s completely normal to have bad days and share genuine feelings, a constant stream of negative posts can be draining for those on the receiving end.

Positivity, on the other hand, tends to breed positivity.

Uplifting content often generates more engagement and helps create a more positive image of the person posting it.

So, while it’s important to be authentic online, it’s equally important to consider the impact of your words and sentiments on your audience.

4) Being too promotional

Social media is a fantastic platform for self-promotion and marketing, but there’s a limit.

People who constantly self-promote or push their products or services can quickly become unlikable.

Whether it’s a business page or a personal account, followers are looking for valuable, engaging content.

They want to see more than just a sales pitch.

They want to learn about you, your experiences, and your values.

If every post is about selling something, followers may feel used or overwhelmed.

Striking a balance is key.

It’s absolutely fine to promote your work or business, but remember to also offer value and engage with your followers genuinely.

This way, you’re not just selling; you’re also building relationships and trust with your audience.

5) Lack of empathy

We live in a world that grows more connected each day, yet sometimes it feels like we’re growing more distant from each other.

Empathy, the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, is what bridges this gap.

On social media, it’s easy for empathy to get lost behind screens and usernames.

People who appear unlikable often display a lack of empathy in their interactions.

They may post insensitive comments or fail to show understanding towards different viewpoints.

Empathy means acknowledging their feelings and experiences as valid, even if they’re different from our own.

Try to listen, understand, and show kindness.

Behind every profile is a real person, with real emotions and experiences.

Let’s use social media not just to share our lives, but also to uplift and understand each other.

6) Ignoring comments and messages

I’ll admit, I was once guilty of this.

When my follower count started growing, so did the number of comments and messages I received.

It became overwhelming, and I found myself ignoring them.

This isn’t a behavior exclusive to influencers or businesses.

Anyone with an active social media presence can fall into this trap.

Ignoring comments and messages might seem harmless, especially when you have a lot on your plate.

But it sends a message to your followers that their input isn’t important.

Engagement is a two-way street.

If someone takes the time to comment on your post or send you a message, they deserve acknowledgment, even if it’s just a quick response or a “like.”

It took me some time to realize this, but once I did, my social media relationships became stronger and more meaningful.

7) Being too political or controversial

We all have our opinions, and social media can serve as a platform to voice them.

However, consistently posting about controversial topics or political issues can make some people appear unlikable.

You don’t have to silence your beliefs or stifle important conversations.

It’s enough to understand the potential divisiveness of these topics and handle them with care.

People often turn to social media for light-hearted content and a break from daily stress.

Seeing a feed filled with controversy and heated debates can be off-putting for some.

Additionally, studies have shown that exposure to polotical content on social media promote anger and cynicism.

Of course, it’s crucial to stand up for what you believe in.

But it’s equally important to promote a sense of respect and understanding in these discussions.

The aim should be to educate and learn, not to argue or belittle others.

8) Forgetting the human touch

At its core, one of the main goals of social media is connecting with others, sharing experiences, ideas, and emotions.

When we lose sight of this and treat it merely as a platform for self-promotion or venting, we risk becoming unlikable.

The most important thing to remember is that behind every profile, like, comment, and share, there’s a person.

A person with feelings, experiences, and stories.

It’s easy to get caught up in the numbers and forget this.

But remembering the human element can make all the difference in how we interact and come across on social media.

So next time you post or respond to a comment, remember there’s a human on the other side of the screen.

Show kindness, empathy, and respect.

Because that’s what being likable on social media – and in life – truly means.

Final thoughts

Social media is strange in how it magnifies the way we connect.

It can make a simple interaction feel meaningful or leave a sour impression depending on how we show up.

From over-sharing to forgetting the human touch, the behaviors we’ve explored are subtle, but they can shape how others perceive us.

What I’ve learned is this: social media works best when it reflects the values we hold offline—kindness, empathy, and genuine connection.

Crafting the perfect online persona or chasing likes is not the goal here.

Try to show up authentically and remembering there’s a real person behind every post, comment, or DM.

Next time you scroll, think about what you’re putting out into that vast digital space.

Instead of trying to be perfect, just be human. And that’s what truly makes you likable.