Why do some people like to delete Weibo or talk about it so much? How can this phenomenon be explained psychologically?

1. Cognitive dissonance

Because human self-growth is a historical process. In this process, it is very likely that the same thing will be viewed differently or even differently at different historical stages. Completely different views, even though they are at different stages, this inconsistency can still create a kind of inner anxiety and tension. When you see yourself that you have never seen before, don’t panic or be anxious. In fact, this is just you.

It is undoubtedly absurd for one person to hold two contradictory views. That is to say, when we look back at the chats and Moments we posted back then, we usually feel: Why are we so naive? So this kind of inner anxiety and tension will prompt us to delete our past Moments and Weibo.

But the actual growth process of a person is the process of constantly understanding and accepting oneself, so there is no need to panic about the past self. Who hasn’t had some unbearable memories to look back on?

2. Label effect

You won’t tear up your past diaries, but you will delete your past friend circles.

This is because social networks such as Weibo and Moments are an open platform. It is undeniable that we all "operate" ourselves on social networking sites, whether intentionally or unintentionally, including myself, I also have this tendency, that is--

Let others see me I want them to see to the side.

This is related to the labeling effect: that is, what others see about you is largely due to your positioning of yourself (or the label you give yourself). When most people delete Weibo and Moments, they are trying to modify or deepen a certain characteristic of themselves to be seen by others, and to create the image they need. And some content is deleted because it is different from the self-image they want to convey.

3. Adaptability problem

Your friends will keep changing. A message you posted at a certain time may be appropriate at that time, but when someone understands After your other friends join in, the original balance may be destroyed. In order to maintain a new balance in the new circle of friends, you may process some of the original information so that you can maintain a new balance in the new circle of friends. Be consistent.

So, as the number of friends increases, you will find that the mental pressure on you to maintain social networks will continue to increase, which is why in the end you will only post some irrelevant content.