There’s an intriguing distinction between folks who keep their social media profiles on public and those who prefer the shelter of privacy settings.

This distinction isn’t arbitrary; it often mirrors certain behaviors linked to personality traits, according to psychology.

Those who keep their profiles on private, specifically, exhibit a set of 8 behaviors that are fascinating to observe and understand.

If you’re curious about what these behaviors could reveal about you or someone you know, stick around.

You may be surprised by what your social media settings can say about your personality.

So let’s dive into these 8 behaviors displayed by people who prefer the safety of private social media profiles.

1) Desire for control

In the realm of social media, there’s a clear distinction between those who keep their profiles open for the world to see and those who prefer to guard their digital life behind the walls of privacy settings.

One of the key behaviors exhibited by people who keep their profiles on private is a strong desire for control.

This trait isn’t necessarily negative.

It simply means that these individuals value their personal space and have a clear understanding of what they wish to share and with whom.

They are selective, cautious, and mindful about the information they put out into the world.

They want to control who gets to access their posts or photos, reflecting an inherent need to protect their privacy and maintain a sense of control over their social media presence.

It’s a conscious decision that speaks volumes about their personality, emphasizing the importance they place on personal boundaries and discretion.

2) Appreciation for genuine connections

On a personal note, I’ve noticed that my friends who keep their social media profiles private tend to prioritize quality over quantity when it comes to their connections.

For example, my dear friend Sarah, despite having a vibrant personality and a wide social circle in real life, has always kept her social media profiles on private.

She once shared with me the reason behind this choice.

Sarah values close, meaningful relationships and prefers to share her life’s moments with those she truly connects with.

She’s not interested in collecting a high number of followers or likes.

Instead, she finds joy in sharing her experiences with a select group of people who genuinely care about her.

This behavior speaks volumes about her preference for deeper, more meaningful social interactions, both online and offline.

It’s a trait that psychology confirms is common among those who maintain private profiles on social media platforms.

3) Lower levels of extraversion

Did you know that extraversion and social media behavior are often linked?

People who score high on extraversion are more likely to have public social media profiles.

On the flip side, those who keep their profiles private usually exhibit lower levels of extraversion.

This doesn’t mean they’re anti-social or unsociable. Rather, they may simply prefer smaller, more intimate social gatherings to large, public ones.

In the virtual world, this translates to a preference for private social media profiles where interactions can be managed and controlled more effectively.

It’s another fascinating aspect of how our online behavior reflects our real-world personality traits.

4) High value on personal privacy

One of the most common characteristics of people who keep their social media profiles on private is a high regard for personal privacy.

These individuals cherish their personal space and believe in keeping certain aspects of their life away from prying eyes.

This behaviour extends beyond the digital realm.

In real life, they may prefer to keep their affairs private, choosing to share details only with their closest confidantes.

This trait is a reflection of their personality and indicates a balance between their social and private lives.

It’s a way to create a safe space where they can express themselves freely without the fear of unwanted attention or judgment.

These individuals understand the importance of privacy in an increasingly public world.

They choose to navigate the digital landscape on their own terms, setting boundaries that enable them to maintain control over their personal information.

5) A sense of authenticity

There’s something truly beautiful about authenticity, and it often shines through in people who keep their social media profiles on private.

These individuals aren’t trying to cultivate a persona for the world to see; they’re simply being themselves.

They share moments that are important to them, with people who matter to them.

There’s no pressure to perform or impress; it’s just genuine sharing of life as they experience it.

This authenticity extends beyond their digital presence. It’s part of who they are – genuine, heartfelt individuals who value real connections over superficial ones.

Their private social media profiles are a testament to their authenticity, a digital reflection of their genuine selves.

It’s not about hiding from the world but about staying true to themselves in a space that’s increasingly driven by likes and followers.

It’s about quality over quantity, real over reel, and it’s truly refreshing to witness.

6) Conscious digital footprint

In this digital age, everything we do online leaves a trace.

It’s like walking on a sandy beach; every step, every post, every comment creates a footprint.

I can’t help but recall the time when I realized how my random posts and comments were shaping my digital legacy.

It was a wake-up call. Since then, I’ve become more conscious of my online activities, much like those who keep their social media profiles private.

These individuals are mindful of their digital footprint.

They’re aware that what they share online can be seen by others and could potentially exist forever in the vast world of the internet.

They choose to limit their public presence to ensure they’re leaving a digital footprint that aligns with their values and beliefs.

This behavior is not about being secretive; it’s about being aware and responsible for the mark they leave in the digital world. It’s about shaping a legacy they can be proud of.

7) Less susceptibility to social comparison

A fascinating aspect of those who keep their social media profiles on private is their lower susceptibility to social comparison.

While social media platforms can be a great source of inspiration, they can also fuel feelings of inadequacy and comparison.

We often find ourselves falling into the trap of comparing our real lives with the carefully curated online lives of others.

But those who maintain private profiles appear to sidestep this pitfall more easily.

By limiting their social media exposure, they create a buffer against the constant barrage of others’ life highlights.

This doesn’t mean they’re immune to comparison, but their choice of privacy helps them reduce its impact.

It’s a conscious strategy to protect their self-esteem and mental health, demonstrating their awareness of the potential downsides of social media usage.

8) Practicing intentional social media use

Finally, the most vital behavior displayed by people who keep their social media profiles on private is intentional social media use.

These individuals don’t use social media just because everyone else does. They have a clear purpose and intention behind their usage.

Whether it’s to stay connected with loved ones, share personal milestones, or follow interests, every action is deliberate and thoughtful.

This intentional approach to social media reflects a mindful lifestyle.

They’re not mindlessly scrolling or posting; they’re engaging in a way that adds value to their lives.

It’s a powerful behavior that sets them apart and underscores the importance of using technology with purpose and intention.

Reflecting on the digital mirror

The way we interact with the digital world, including our choices about privacy on social media, often mirrors our personality traits, beliefs, and values.

As we’ve seen, those who prefer to keep their social media profiles private tend to display behaviors that highlight their desire for control, appreciation for genuine connections, authenticity, and intentional use of social media.

These behaviors are not just random choices; they are reflective of a deeper understanding of the impact of social media on our lives.

They stand as a testament to these individuals’ awareness and mindfulness in navigating the digital landscape.

The intriguing interplay between our online behavior and our personality traits serves as a reminder that our digital actions are not isolated from who we are.

They are an extension of our real-world selves, a digital mirror reflecting our character.

As we navigate through the ever-evolving digital landscape, it’s worth reflecting on our own social media behaviors.

Are they aligned with our values? Do they reflect who we truly are? Are we intentional in how we use these platforms?

Just as with every facet of our lives, self-awareness and intentionality can make all the difference, even in the seemingly trivial matter of social media privacy settings.

It’s not just about clicking a button to go private; it’s about understanding why that choice might be the most authentic reflection of who we are.