Picture yourself scrolling through TikTok, and coming across a story time from a stranger about the most traumatic experience of their life. The comments are filled with people sympathizing and leaving heartfelt messages. Then there are comments of people judging and invalidating their experience. Was it oversharing, or is trauma dumping on the internet the new norm?
The Appeal of Sharing
The urge to share is appealing and understandable. We live in a digital world where we can connect with thousands of people online who may have shared beliefs and experiences. Sometimes, a platform like TikTok can feel like a safe space to share personal moments, especially when the comment sections are overflowing with support.
Trauma dumping and venting on social media have become more normalized over the past few years. Social media platforms have become a way for people to share anything from heartbreak to life-threatening situations. Of course, venting online is more accessible than therapy for many people, so it is understandable why so many people seek comfort in speaking online.
Risks and Repercussions
While venting online might seem like a healthy way to express your feelings, it might be doing more harm than good. Once a video is posted online, it’s almost always permanent. Many users online often regret posting a venting video online after the heat of the moment is over. Trauma dumping videos may also trigger feelings of anxiety for viewers, especially when coming up unprompted on their “For You Page.”
Posting your personal experiences also sets you up for scrutiny from others online. Even if the post is filled with supportive comments, any cruel or dismissive comments can even make the situation feel worse. Overall, you never really know who is watching your content.
A Healthier Approach to Venting
Sometimes venting is the best thing to do in a stressful situation, but there are healthier ways to go about it. Therapy, journaling or even talking to your friends and family are ways to vent without potential backlash. Or instead of posting in the moment, wait until time has passed and think if your post is for awareness and connection, rather than validation.
Social media has seemed to blur the boundary between privacy and the public. While sharing traumatic stories online might be helpful to gain awareness, it can also cause more issues in the long run.
What do you think about trauma dumping on social media? Let us know on Instagram or X @VALLEYmag!
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