The Oversharing Phenomenon on TikTok and Instagram and Its Impact on Generation Z’s Digital Privacy
TL;DR
The findings indicate that the most common forms of oversharing among Generation Z include disclosing emotional conditions, daily activities, interpersonal relationships, real-time locations, and sensitive personal experiences, which are influenced by the need for social validation, self-expression, emotional support, social media algorithms, and low levels of digital privacy literacy.
Abstract
Oversharing has become an increasingly common form of digital communication behavior among Generation Z, particularly on TikTok and Instagram. The ease of sharing information, the need for social validation, and the culture of openness in digital spaces encourage users to disclose various personal information to a wide audience. This study aims to analyze the forms of oversharing behavior among Generation Z, identify the factors driving such behavior, and explain its impact on digital privacy. This research employs a descriptive qualitative approach using a library research method. Data were collected from scholarly journals, books, and scientific publications related to oversharing, self-disclosure, digital privacy, social media, and Communication Privacy Management (CPM) Theory. Data analysis was conducted through data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing based on the Miles, Huberman, and Saldaña interactive model. The findings indicate that the most common forms of oversharing among Generation Z include disclosing emotional conditions, daily activities, interpersonal relationships, real-time locations, and sensitive personal experiences. These behaviors are influenced by the need for social validation, self-expression, emotional support, social media algorithms, and low levels of digital privacy literacy. Although oversharing may provide benefits such as social support and personal branding opportunities, it also poses various risks, including cyberbullying, cyberstalking, misuse of personal data, identity theft, and the creation of permanent digital footprints. From the perspective of Communication Privacy Management Theory, oversharing reflects an ongoing negotiation between self-disclosure needs and the maintenance of privacy boundaries in digital environments. Therefore, improving digital literacy and privacy awareness is essential to promote safer and more responsible social media use.