I used to think everyone felt the same way about social media—that posting wasn’t a big deal anymore because it’s such a normal part of our culture. Millions of people do it, so what difference does it make for one more person? But after hearing friends and colleagues talk about their fear of being perceived online, I realized this is something I’ve unintentionally become good at.

Truthfully, I don’t care what people think of me online, and that’s because I’ve been practicing mindfulness tricks since I started therapy at 17. I’ve been posting on TikTok since 2019. But it wasn’t always this way. In high school, I overanalyzed every post, worried about likes, and obsessed over how my profile looked from someone else’s point of view. I cried to my mom about my follower count.

Now, everything’s different. Society has shifted—there’s less judgment and more space for people to share authentically without feeling boxed in. But that doesn’t mean it’s easy. Starting out can be scary, especially if you haven’t trained yourself to block out the fear of judgment. If you’ve been wanting to post but feel held back, I’m here to help.

I’ll share how I overcame my fear of being perceived online and why you can, too. Let’s dive in! And remember, you can follow me on TikTok @nicolenorthh and Instagram @nicolenorthblogs.

1. Posting on Social Media Is a Form of Self-Expression

Ask yourself: Who are you posting for? The answer should be yourself. Anytime you hear that little voice saying, What if this person or that person thinks it’s not good enough?—remind yourself that their opinions don’t matter. Your opinion of yourself is the only one that counts.

Social media is your space. Your page, your posts, your words. If someone doesn’t like it, they can leave. Never alter your posts to fit someone else’s preferences. When you post authentically, you’ll attract people who appreciate you for you.

I love Mel Robbins’ “Let Them” theory. She says, Let them judge. Let them think whatever they want—they’ll do it anyway. The freedom comes when you stop caring.

2. Social Media Is for Being Yourself

A common fear is that the market is oversaturated or your idea isn’t original. But guess what? No one can present something exactly the way you do.

So what if there are a million recipe accounts on Instagram? No one has seen your take on it yet. That’s the beauty of social media—it’s a creative outlet with space for everyone.

3. Focus on the Positive Messages You’re Sharing

If your content isn’t hurting anyone and is actually helping others, that’s all the more reason to post. I love sharing about mental health, and even if just one person tells me my posts helped them, it makes it all worth it.

For example, my TikTok series on building a stronger sense of self hasn’t gone viral, but people still message me saying it’s impacted them positively. You don’t have to reach millions to make a difference.

4. Stop Worrying About Looking “Cringe”

The fear of being cringe holds so many people back. But here’s the truth: People who judge others for being cringe are usually afraid to put themselves out there. Successful influencers wouldn’t look down on someone starting their page from scratch—they’ve been there, too.

So, why let the opinions of insecure people stop you? Embrace the cringe! If it gets you more views, engagement, or opportunities, who cares? Cringe is often where success happens.

Click the image to watch: in this TikTok I share why I’m not afraid if others are talking behind my back!

5. People Are Too Busy to Overanalyze Your Posts

Most people are consumed with their own lives (and their own social media anxiety). They’re not scrutinizing your content as much as you think.

And stop waiting until everything is perfect. Post scared. Post imperfect. Post anyway.

Click to watch! Tess is one of my favorite influencers and gives the best social media advice.

6. You’re Impacting People, Even If You Don’t See It

Even when you don’t get online praise, you’re still making a difference. I can’t count the number of times people have come up to me in real life to say they love my TikToks or appreciate what I’m doing.

It often feels like I’m posting to no one, but you never know who’s watching. Someone out there is looking forward to your content. You don’t need to be the next Alix Earle to create something meaningful. Your micro-influence matters to your audience.

Final Thoughts: Start Posting Today

If you’ve been holding back, this is your sign to start posting. Share your voice, your story, your creativity. Don’t let fear or insecurity stop you.

Social media isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being you. And I promise, there’s someone out there who needs to see what you have to share. So, start today. Post without regrets, and see where it takes you.

Overcome Social Media Anxiety: How to Build Confidence and Start Sharing