There it was again, just as predictable as the sun in the morning. “34 points with 15 rebounds! Have you ever done that before?” Sr. basketball player Danny Siterelet opened his phone after a heartbreaking loss, he pondered across an old friend bragging about his accomplishments once again.
For people who have social media, they have almost certainly scrolled and stumbled upon a post that comes off as “braggy.”
There is a fine line between bragging and informing on social media. Some people unintentionally come off as bragging when trying to share something important to them. Others look for admiration, approval, or envy. The words that a person uses to share the experience indicate the purpose of the post, and often what kind of reaction they are looking for from their “followers”.
Most people on social media use their platform to show experiences that they’ve had in their lives. The purpose of their posts may show significance, give others some type of inspiration, or share their life with others. As a result, social media has become a substantial part of people’s lives and has a significant impact on teenagers today. Posts that inform people use language that is factual, modest, comedic, or self-deprecating. Posts perceived as bragging use language that is arrogant, boastful, or demoralizing.
For instance, if someone were to see a post on Facebook and the caption says, “We had such a great time with our family in Florida this weekend, we are so fortunate to have such a wonderful family”, the influencer would be showing an example of informing the viewers of a fun time spent with family. On the other hand, if the post had said, “My family took our yacht to Florida this weekend and our chef made the best meals! I can’t imagine being in the freezing cold weather right now!” If worded like this it’s a perfect sample of a typical brag. The first post mentions quality family time, while the second post focuses on the materialistic aspects of the vacation.
“I think posting on social media could go both ways… posting about things you own or want can come off as bragging, but posting about friends and good memories comes off as informing,” Siterlet said.
Siterlet is a student at West Ottawa who shares his involvement with his friends and family on social media. Siterlet uses his platforms to share his interests and hobbies. As an avid social media user, Siterlet describes the difference between informing and bragging.
The perception of a social media post depends on how the individual is expressing themselves and also how the viewer interprets what’s being shared. Posts on social media can affect mental and emotional health. When a post comes off as “bragging” it can cause the viewer to feel jealous, left out, or even feel that they are less fortunate compared to others. Ideally, social media should bring people up and together, not push people down.
Bragging on social media occurs when someone speaks with excessive pride in themselves. Certain pride can be in their possessions, achievements, or even abilities. Many people try to impress their viewers by elevating their experiences to sound superior and egotistical. Bragging on social media can be intentional or unintentional.
Recently, Kylie Jenner posted a picture of 2 private jets (one hers, one Travis Scott’s). “You wanna take mine or yours?”. The post shouts out at the viewer in a very self-centered way. The issue is that this exact concept occurs in high school. Whether they are athletes or just people with hobbies, students constantly share information with their peers through social media in ways that are perceived as bragging.
On the other hand, there are a plethora of ways to share experiences without sounding boastful. One way to express an opinion on certain experiences is by thinking about how others might feel viewing your content. The point of social media is to share your experiences, and it is a great way to stay up to date with friends and family. Achievements that are made can be shared in a way that conveys emotion and excitement without giving the impression that one is just trying to impress others. An example is when student-athletes at West Ottawa post their commitment to college. Playing a college sport is a big deal and takes a lot of courage and hard work and it should be shared with others. Similarly, academic achievements are to be celebrated and shared with others.
When posting on social media, think about how your photos and words may be interpreted by others. Try to share experiences positively, and avoid posting in a way that may bring others down.
