Understanding the Complex Interplay of Social Media Privacy: Understanding Oversharing and Recommending Future Research

Social media platforms have transformed the landscape of communication and interaction, ushering in an era of unprecedented interconnectedness. However, this digital revolution has raised significant privacy and data security concerns. The “privacy paradox” encapsulates the delicate balance individuals must strike between sharing personal information for social validation and safeguarding themselves from potential threats. This paper delves into the multifaceted domain of social media privacy, addressing user behaviour, platform architecture, and susceptibility to exploitation. Through an extensive literature review, the paper explores concepts such as social engineering, oversharing, and the concerns voiced by social media users. Additionally, it highlights ongoing research efforts aimed at mitigating privacy risks. An exploratory analysis further reveals the vulnerabilities associated with seemingly innocuous images shared on social media, emphasising caution when disseminating personal content online. Building upon these insights, the paper presents a series of recommendations designed to address the pervasive issue of oversharing on social media, encompassing user education, platform design enhancements, and technological interventions. Ultimately, the paper advocates for a comprehensive approach to fortifying privacy in the digital age, calling for collaborative efforts from users, platform providers, and researchers. Furthermore, it outlines potential avenues for future research, recognising the evolving nature of social media and the continuous need for innovation in privacy protection.