There's one question I receive often, and that question is, "Why don't you post more videos to Instagram Stories?" These days, it's become the norm for people to post their everyday lives on social media, whether it be via an Instagram static post, a quick video on Snapchat, or a status update on Facebook. The simple truth is, I like to limit what I post on social media. Why? There are a few reasons below.
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Prior to the growth of this digital age where everything is accessible 24/7 thanks to the internet, we weren't posting our day-to-day activities online for all the world to see. Back in the good old days of my childhood, you would call people up on the phone to talk about your day. Nowadays, we can speak to more than one person and have multiple conversations thanks to text messaging. We can also post updates from our lives on multiple platforms through imagery, text, and gifs. This constant access not only keeps you in touch with more people, but it invites many people (and many strangers in the process) into your life.
As a blogger and public figure (I was Miss USA in 2011), a lot of my life is already conveyed through social media. Through outfit posts and details on our travels, I share a lot that is in connection with my website. Once in a while, I share personal posts about my marriage and, even more rarely, my friendships. So, why do I like to limit what I post to social media? The answer is simple - I like a little bit of mystery.
I don't feel like every minute of my life needs to be documented (basically, I am not a good reality show candidate). I value private time with my husband or at home, I like to sit down for a brunch or a dinner with friends without my phone being in the way, and I like to run around town doing my daily business without having to be "camera ready". I've had people call me lazy for not being active enough on Stories or tweeting more often on Twitter. I'm not lazy, I am just selective. Social media is my professional life. My personal life is something I like to shelter more, if I can.
What I am specifically referring to in this post is Instagram Stories. Instagram Stories are absolutely fantastic for when we are traveling, revealing my skin care routine in action, or when I want to showcase the movement of a new dress. I love Instagram Stories when we travel, as it helps tell a story. It's like posting quick videos to highlight an amazing destination's activity or the hotel you need to book a room at ASAP. However, when it comes to my every day life, I don't feel the need to document every activity. Prior to Instagram Stories, or even Instagram for that matter, it wasn't really possible to document our every day activities, and with the digital age continually growing and progressing, that's one thing I like to hold on to.
There's nothing wrong with posting all day, every day to social media. It's your account and your life that you are choosing who, what, when, and where you are documenting. But personally for me, I just like to limit what I post on social media.
Do you like to limit what you post on social media?
There’s one question I receive often, and that question is, “Why don’t you post more videos to Instagram Stories?” These days, it’s become the norm for people to post their everyday lives on social media, whether it be via an Instagram static post, a quick video on Snapchat, or a status update on Facebook. The simple truth is, I like to limit what I post on social media. Why? There are a few reasons below.
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Prior to the growth of this digital age where everything is accessible 24/7 thanks to the internet, we weren’t posting our day-to-day activities online for all the world to see. Back in the good old days of my childhood, you would call people up on the phone to talk about your day. Nowadays, we can speak to more than one person and have multiple conversations thanks to text messaging. We can also post updates from our lives on multiple platforms through imagery, text, and gifs. This constant access not only keeps you in touch with more people, but it invites many people (and many strangers in the process) into your life.
As a blogger and public figure (I was Miss USA in 2011), a lot of my life is already conveyed through social media. Through outfit posts and details on our travels, I share a lot that is in connection with my website. Once in a while, I share personal posts about my marriage and, even more rarely, my friendships. So, why do I like to limit what I post to social media? The answer is simple – I like a little bit of mystery.
I don’t feel like every minute of my life needs to be documented (basically, I am not a good reality show candidate). I value private time with my husband or at home, I like to sit down for a brunch or a dinner with friends without my phone being in the way, and I like to run around town doing my daily business without having to be “camera ready”. I’ve had people call me lazy for not being active enough on Stories or tweeting more often on Twitter. I’m not lazy, I am just selective. Social media is my professional life. My personal life is something I like to shelter more, if I can.
What I am specifically referring to in this post is Instagram Stories. Instagram Stories are absolutely fantastic for when we are traveling, revealing my skin care routine in action, or when I want to showcase the movement of a new dress. I love Instagram Stories when we travel, as it helps tell a story. It’s like posting quick videos to highlight an amazing destination’s activity or the hotel you need to book a room at ASAP. However, when it comes to my every day life, I don’t feel the need to document every activity. Prior to Instagram Stories, or even Instagram for that matter, it wasn’t really possible to document our every day activities, and with the digital age continually growing and progressing, that’s one thing I like to hold on to.
There’s nothing wrong with posting all day, every day to social media. It’s your account and your life that you are choosing who, what, when, and where you are documenting. But personally for me, I just like to limit what I post on social media.
Do you like to limit what you post on social media?
I totally understand! I find myself posting less and even taking fewer pictures because I want to experience things more fully. Sometimes I feel guilty that my two beautiful daughters aren’t being “showcased” as much as other people’s kids, but then I remember that they deserve their privacy, too. I’m all for moderation: no shame for posting when you want, but no guilt for enjoying offline life!
Yana
I’ve made many times social media detoxing and felt amazing without social media…But I know if I decided to be a blogger I have to be present online, otherwise I have to choose another job…Have to say I understand you 100% and also don’t like to post every my step on Insta Stories…Maybe that’s why my Insta-growth is slower as by another people doing same stuff as I do…
Anyway, it’s your life, Alyss, and everything you decided for yourself is the right decision! I love your blog and Twitter a lot, but I understand that everyone need some space to breathe and chill without strangers. Sending you a lot of love and hugs, Alyssa ❤️ You are smart, beautiful and honest person! Enjoy your life!
Kristine
I agree it is best to limit. I limit what photos I post of my children. A lot of people have now even gotten into the trouble with their jobs for posting too many personal details. I Try to concentrate on positive things when I do post.
Kimberly Cooksey
I agree whole heartedly. Also, for me it’s Security reasons. I work in the field and I feel the less information given to strangers the better.
In reality, at the time I grew up, you could leave your door unlocked and not really have to worry. But, now there is to much violence and crime that I worry about. It’s sad. You have to always be careful nowadays.
Thank you for your posts. Stay safe! 💕
Molly Laird
I hardly ever post daily live unless it’s something big and I don’t want strangers to have access to personal things.
Hope
Yes, big-time. I have lately been challenging my friends not to have their phones out when we eat together. Being able to document our lives is an amazing privilege, but I have discovered how unhealthy it can get by observing my friends staring at their phones, showing each other pictures from the previous day and laughing at photos of something that just happened an hour ago. It can really cause a person to stop being present and living in the moment.
Hannah Spicer
I love your website. Your values and ideas are so authentic and classy, yet down to eart. The way you tie your personal life and marriage into your professional career is something to be proud of!
Your loyal follower
l just wanted to say that you are an amazing woman. You are beautiful, kind, genuine, generous, strong and hard working. No matter what happens if you continue to blog and post on social media you will always have my full support and seeing you happy makes me smile to cause l always love to see people happy, even those l just follow them on social media or in this case blog. Seeing others happy is the best gift l can ever receive l hope you know how much you inspire those around you. No matter what you do, do it for yourself and not for others (your followers) l know they want to follow your every single move but we need to accept that you need privacy and not always is up for posting on Instagram or your amazing blog. Stay strong and fight for your dreams and your beliefs and l will always support you in every journey. Love.
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I totally understand! I find myself posting less and even taking fewer pictures because I want to experience things more fully. Sometimes I feel guilty that my two beautiful daughters aren’t being “showcased” as much as other people’s kids, but then I remember that they deserve their privacy, too. I’m all for moderation: no shame for posting when you want, but no guilt for enjoying offline life!
I’ve made many times social media detoxing and felt amazing without social media…But I know if I decided to be a blogger I have to be present online, otherwise I have to choose another job…Have to say I understand you 100% and also don’t like to post every my step on Insta Stories…Maybe that’s why my Insta-growth is slower as by another people doing same stuff as I do…
Anyway, it’s your life, Alyss, and everything you decided for yourself is the right decision! I love your blog and Twitter a lot, but I understand that everyone need some space to breathe and chill without strangers. Sending you a lot of love and hugs, Alyssa ❤️ You are smart, beautiful and honest person! Enjoy your life!
I agree it is best to limit. I limit what photos I post of my children. A lot of people have now even gotten into the trouble with their jobs for posting too many personal details. I Try to concentrate on positive things when I do post.
I agree whole heartedly. Also, for me it’s Security reasons. I work in the field and I feel the less information given to strangers the better.
In reality, at the time I grew up, you could leave your door unlocked and not really have to worry. But, now there is to much violence and crime that I worry about. It’s sad. You have to always be careful nowadays.
Thank you for your posts. Stay safe! 💕
I hardly ever post daily live unless it’s something big and I don’t want strangers to have access to personal things.
Yes, big-time. I have lately been challenging my friends not to have their phones out when we eat together. Being able to document our lives is an amazing privilege, but I have discovered how unhealthy it can get by observing my friends staring at their phones, showing each other pictures from the previous day and laughing at photos of something that just happened an hour ago. It can really cause a person to stop being present and living in the moment.
I love your website. Your values and ideas are so authentic and classy, yet down to eart. The way you tie your personal life and marriage into your professional career is something to be proud of!
l just wanted to say that you are an amazing woman. You are beautiful, kind, genuine, generous, strong and hard working. No matter what happens if you continue to blog and post on social media you will always have my full support and seeing you happy makes me smile to cause l always love to see people happy, even those l just follow them on social media or in this case blog. Seeing others happy is the best gift l can ever receive l hope you know how much you inspire those around you. No matter what you do, do it for yourself and not for others (your followers) l know they want to follow your every single move but we need to accept that you need privacy and not always is up for posting on Instagram or your amazing blog. Stay strong and fight for your dreams and your beliefs and l will always support you in every journey. Love.