Oversharing

Oversharing is the act of revealing too much personal information, feelings, or experiences, particularly to people who do not need or want to know them. It often involves a lack of boundaries and a failure to consider the impact of the information on the recipient or the potential consequences for oneself. This can happen in various contexts, including social media, face-to-face conversations, or online interactions, and can range from revealing minor personal details to exposing highly sensitive information.

Oversharing meaning with examples

• During the first coffee date, Sarah went into excruciating detail about her recent breakup, her medical history, and her strained relationship with her family. The date was clearly uncomfortable. Her date later mentioned Sarah's oversharing made the date feel invasive and awkward, and quickly ended with a polite excuse.
• Mark's enthusiastic online post detailed his financial struggles, relationship problems, and health concerns. He quickly regretted it when it caused many concerned phone calls from people he barely knew and a perceived loss of professional reputation because of his oversharing.
• In a work meeting, John continuously disclosed private office gossips about the company and the people that he was working with. Everyone was offended by this oversharing, it made him look unprofessional and created conflict within the team with several people complaining to their manager about his behavior.
• During the therapy session, Emily was asked only about her progress through it. Her immediate response was oversharing. Without being asked, she went into graphic descriptions of her past traumas and personal struggles. The therapist gently redirected, guiding her toward the current focus.