While everyone’s busy sharing their lives on social media, there are those who prefer to stay private. They’re not anti-social, they just choose not to post every detail of their life online.

These people intrigue us. Why do they choose privacy over popularity? What’s going on in their minds? Well, according to psychology, these individuals often share seven distinct traits.

Curious to know what these traits are? Let’s dive into the world of the social media elusive and discover what makes them tick.

1) Value of solitude

We often equate social media with being social. However, it’s not always the case.

Those who rarely or never post on social media often value their solitude. They cherish their alone time, using it for self-reflection and personal growth.

This doesn’t mean they’re loners or anti-social. In fact, they can be quite sociable when they choose to be.

It’s just that they prefer meaningful, face-to-face interactions over digital connections. They find these real life interactions more fulfilling and authentic.

According to psychology, this trait could indicate a high level of self-awareness and emotional intelligence.

2) More focused on real-life experiences

I can’t help but notice my friends who never post on social media are usually the ones fully immersed in the moment.

Take my friend, Laura, for instance. She has a social media account but rarely posts anything. Once, during a stunning sunset on our beach vacation, while the rest of us were busy capturing the perfect shot for Instagram, Laura was just sitting there, eyes closed and face turned towards the sun.

When I asked her why she wasn’t taking any photos, she simply said, “I am, just not with a camera. I’m capturing this moment in my mind.”

Those like Laura who stay private on social media often prioritize living and experiencing the moment over documenting it for others to see.

3) Lower levels of anxiety

Those who prefer to stay private on social media often report lower levels of anxiety. This is backed by research, which has shown a correlation between high social media usage and increased levels of anxiety and depression.

This is not to say that everyone who is private on social media is anxiety-free. But the lack of pressure to maintain a certain image online, or the stress of comparing oneself to others, can result in a generally more peaceful state of mind.

Psychology suggests that these individuals may have a healthier relationship with self-image and self-worth, as they’re less influenced by the external validation that social media often brings.

4) Authenticity is key

People who rarely post on social media often prioritize authenticity. They aren’t interested in curating a perfect image of their lives for the world to see. Instead, they prefer to be true to themselves and live an authentic life, online and offline.

This doesn’t mean they’re not concerned about how others perceive them. It’s just that they place more emphasis on their own self-perception. They’d rather be disliked for who they truly are than loved for who they’re not.

Psychology points out that this approach often leads to higher self-esteem and better mental health. It’s a testament to their self-acceptance and inner strength.

5) Value deep connections

I used to struggle with understanding why some of my friends, who are very sociable in person, choose not to engage much on social media.

But over time, I’ve realized that they’re the ones who value deep, meaningful connections. They’d rather spend hours talking to a single friend about life, dreams, and fears than post a status update for hundreds to see.

In my own journey towards reduced social media usage, I’ve found that it allows me to focus more on fostering these deep connections. It’s about quality over quantity.

Psychologists suggest that people like us, who prefer this real-world intimacy, often have a higher emotional intelligence and are more empathetic.

6) Respect for privacy

Those who prefer to stay private on social media often have a deep respect for their own and others’ privacy. They understand the value of keeping some aspects of their life away from the public eye, and they extend this understanding to others as well.

They’re less likely to share information without consent or engage in gossip. Instead, they respect boundaries and believe in the importance of personal space, both physically and digitally.

7) Intentional living

The most significant trait of people who rarely post on social media is that they tend to live intentionally. They make conscious decisions about how they spend their time, who they interact with, and what aspects of their life they share publicly.

They’re not swayed by trends or external pressures but guided by their own values and beliefs. This intentional approach to life often leads to a greater sense of fulfillment and contentment.

Psychology concludes that this trait can contribute significantly to overall well-being and happiness.