I see this quite often.
There’s a lot of folks in social media land that chooses this worldwide platform to pour their hearts out. Now, before I go any further with this think piece, I must share that I, too, have shed a tear or two in a couple of live streams. (podcast, Facebook Live) It’s only natural to start a conversation about a topic you’re passionate about that will bring you to tears, as opposed to pressing the RECORD button on your phone to capture yourself minutes after sobbing uncontrollably.
There’s something to be said about those who CHOOSES to post these videos in their “vulnerability” for all to see. I keep picturing them watching the timer count down to their Oscar-winning dramatic performance. But also, there are those who are genuinely upset and need guidance, advice, or a pep talk from strangers.
Let’s unpack it, shall we?
First off, let’s acknowledge that crying is a natural and healthy human response to a wide range of emotions – sadness, frustration, anger, etc. It sometimes makes sense that people might want to share their tears with others, especially in a world that often tells us to keep our emotions bottled up. We all go through things in life, right?
But here’s where it gets interesting:
Some people might argue that posting videos of yourself crying is just another form of attention-seeking behavior, a way to garner likes, comments, and sympathy from others. And you know what? They might have a point. Believe it or not, some adults crave social media attention like babies in cribs needing attention from their distracted parent. Babies cry because they want to be seen and comforted. Much like an adult who posts a video of themselves crying…they want to be seen and comforted by those who follow them. They also seek validation, connection, and chooses to put themselves out there in such a vulnerable way to help them attain it all. In a culture that values likes and followers above almost everything else, it’s easy to see how someone might be tempted to exploit themselves for a moment to be attended to.
When I see a video of someone crying on my social media feed, I take a moment to pause and consider why they might be showing their tears. I’ll watch the video to try to get an understanding. Then I’ll wonder if they are seeking connection, validation, or understanding, or are they simply craving attention?
Let me be clear and say that I’m not being judgmental at all. I’m staying mindful of the fact that we’re all just trying to navigate this crazy thing called life, and sometimes, we make MISTAKES along the way. People process things differently, and although we may not think it’s ideal, it’s not for us to criticize. For some people. social media is their chosen space to express how they feel.
What are your thoughts on adults posting videos of themselves crying on social media? Have you ever done it yourself, or do you find it off-putting? Let’s start a conversation in the comments below. I’d love to hear your perspective!
