Confidence VS the pressure of social media

Why do so many people struggle with low confidence when speaking out on social media?

We have to admit that social media is a big part of our everyday lives. From Instagram and TikTok to Facebook and LinkedIn, these platforms have become an essential part of our lifestyle. They're the go-to places to express ourselves, connect with others, or even build a personal brand. But despite all the opportunities, a lot of people still struggle with confidence when it comes to speaking up online. Whether it’s posting a personal opinion or sharing a creative idea, speaking out on social media can feel like a huge challenge for many. So, why is it so hard?

6 reasons why we can lack confidence on social media 

1. The pressure to be perfect

Let’s be honest: Social media can feel like one big "perfect" show. We scroll through endless posts of people living their best lives, travelling the world, landing their dream jobs, or looking flawless in every photo. It’s easy to feel like you’re not measuring up, which makes sharing your own thoughts or content seem way more intimidating.

When you see influencers or celebrities posting about their successes, it can make you wonder if you’ll ever be able to do the same. The pressure to always look great or share something meaningful can make anyone feel insecure. And when you're worried about not living up to those "perfect" standards, it’s easy to hold back from posting at all.

2. The fear of judgment and rejection

Another huge reason people struggle with confidence on social media is the fear of judgment. It’s one thing to share something with your close friends or family, but when you post online, you're often sharing it with a huge group of strangers. The idea of being judged or criticised can be really intimidating.

We’ve all seen harsh comments online, and let’s be real, the thought of getting negative feedback can make you freeze up. Even if you’re passionate about what you're sharing, the fear of rejection or the possibility of being misunderstood can stop you from speaking out. The online world can be a bit unforgiving, and for those who are already unsure about themselves, that kind of criticism can feel especially scary.

3. Comparing yourself to others

We’ve all been there, scrolling through our feeds and thinking, "Wow, everyone else’s life looks so much cooler than mine." Social media often feels like one big comparison game, where it’s super easy to start comparing your life, your looks, or your achievements to others. The truth is, most of what we see online is a curated version of reality. People only post the highlights, not the behind-the-scenes struggles.

If you're already feeling a little unsure about yourself, seeing other people confidently share their experiences can make you feel like you don't measure up. You might start questioning if your ideas are interesting enough or if you're even "cool" enough to share something online. And over time, all that comparing can totally chip away at your confidence.

4. Imposter syndrome

Ever feel like you’re "faking it," even though you know you’ve got the skills or knowledge to back it up? That’s imposter syndrome, and it's super common, especially on social media. It’s that feeling that you don’t really deserve the success you’ve earned or that you're somehow pretending to be something you're not.

On social media, this feeling can be even worse. For example, you might have valuable knowledge or experience, but you might feel like you're not "expert enough" to share it with the world. You might worry about someone calling you out or criticising you. This fear of being exposed as a fraud can make you hesitant to share anything at all, even though you’ve got plenty to offer.

5. The fear of online criticism

One of the worst parts of social media is that it gives people the chance to hide behind a screen and be super critical. The anonymity of the internet often makes people more comfortable being harsh or judgmental than they would be in person. For anyone struggling with low confidence, the thought of facing this kind of criticism can be paralysing. If you're already feeling insecure, the idea of receiving hurtful comments or nasty replies can be enough to make you just avoid posting altogether. It’s easier to stay silent than risk facing online negativity.

6. No instant feedback

When you’re talking to someone face-to-face, you can tell right away if they’re engaged, agreeing with you, or maybe even a little confused. But on social media, you often don’t get that instant feedback. It’s easy to start second-guessing yourself when you don’t know how your post is being received.

If your post doesn’t get likes, shares, or comments right away, it can feel like you’re not being heard. And while it’s true that not every post needs instant validation, social media's emphasis on engagement can make it feel like your voice doesn't matter unless you're getting all that positive reinforcement. The lack of real-time feedback can make anyone with low confidence feel even more unsure about speaking up.

So, what can you do about it?

Now that we’ve covered why so many people feel this way, the good news is that there are ways to work through it. If you’re struggling with confidence on social media, here are a few tips to help you get started:

1. Start small

If posting feels overwhelming, try engaging with others first. Leave comments, join conversations, and get used to being part of the community. Once you're comfortable doing that, sharing your own thoughts will feel way easier.

2. Embrace imperfection

Nobody is perfect, and social media isn’t about being flawless. Don’t stress over every post being “just right.” Just be authentic and let your real voice shine through. It’s way more important to be yourself than to try to live up to an unrealistic standard.

3. Do not compare

If scrolling through other people’s posts is making you feel down, take a break. Social media is a curated version of reality – no one has it all figured out. Focus on your own journey and stop comparing your behind-the-scenes to someone else’s highlight reel.

4. Shift your focus to impact

Instead of worrying about how people might judge you, think about the positive impact you could have. There’s someone out there who might really connect with what you have to say. When you focus on helping others or sharing something meaningful, it takes the pressure off your own insecurities.

5. Seek support

Seek out supportive communities or groups where you can share your experiences and get encouragement. When you connect with others who understand where you're coming from, it can boost your confidence and make it easier to speak up.

If you’re struggling with confidence on social media, know you’re not alone. It's tough to put yourself out there, especially with all the pressures and fears that come with online life. But the more you practice, the easier it gets.

Remember: social media should be a place where your voice can be heard, and with a little time and patience, you'll start feeling more confident presenting yourself out there. So, don’t be afraid! Speak up, be yourself, and let your voice be heard. You can do it!