Overcoming Anxiety to Post Your Talents on Social Media
Repped In Tech?
Amplifying the voices of (neuro)diverse technologists. 200+ members and growing! Join us at reppedin.tech
You’re ready to learn how to be a content creator in the tech industry. You know the opportunities it can open up… But hold up — what if you’re really struggling with the fear of posting on social media??
You’re not alone. But here's the deal: As you learn to kick those fears to the curb, you can find confidence online, take up space, and craft content that opens doors in your tech journey.
Understanding Social Anxiety and Social Media
Why are social anxiety and social media so connected? To overcome the fear of posting on social media, it’s important to understand what we’re truly afraid of:
We’re not afraid to post. We’re afraid of the perceptions of and reactions to our content.
Here are some of the common obstacles standing in our way:
???? Fear of Judgment
Let’s face it — we all want to be liked. When we start learning how to be a content creator, it’s normal to worry about what everyone and their grandma will think: Friends, coworkers, family, and even that person from high school you haven’t seen in ages.?
Here’s your escape plan:?
Create a new account for your tech content instead of posting on your personal account. It’s a fresh, clean slate.
Set boundaries. You are not your content. It’s something you create, but it’s not you.?
Forget the critics. Focus on your supporters. Think about those who will be inspired and changed by your content.
???? Imposter Syndrome in Tech
Ever felt like you're not smart, experienced, or funny enough to play the social media game? This happens even more when we feel like an outsider in the industry.
Remember: There's no checklist of requirements needed to learn how to be a content creator. Just start posting.?
???? Public Failure
Messing up is part of life. But what if the whole world sees your slip-up online??
Relax: Not everyone's watching. Most people won't even notice. Remember: Even the top tech creators started with one follower and one like. Don’t aim for perfection — aim for progress.
5 Ways to Overcome the Fear of Posting on Social Media
Ready to break free from social anxiety and social media? With consistent practice and mindset shifts, you can be stronger than your fear:??
1. Remember Why You’re Doing This.
Figure out why you want to learn how to be a content creator. Think beyond just getting likes, followers, and subscribers. Think about the difference you can make in your career, craft, mission, and community by overcoming social anxiety and social media.?
2. Keep it Real.
Don't try to be someone you're not. Authenticity beats imposter syndrome in tech any day. Share your genuine stories, motivations, and experiences. Be authentic, and content creation will start to feel authentic.?
3. Find Community.
Engage, chat, and be part of the community. Before you start posting content, get into the habit of commenting and joining conversations.?
Social anxiety and social media can go hand in hand. But the more social you are online, the less lonely it feels. You can find comfort, belonging, and power as you connect with others.
4. Weigh the Risks vs. Rewards.
Risks of creating content: People might judge you… But so what? Some people always will.
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Risks of not creating content: You might just miss out on life-changing opportunities in your career to make a greater impact, empower diversity in tech, and transform your own confidence.
5. Practice!
The more you post, the easier it’ll get. It’s as simple as that.
How to Be a Content Creator with Confidence
Time to flip the script and focus on the positive. Here's your action plan to learn how to be a content creator and overcome the fear of posting on social media:
?? Take Action:?
I am a teacher at the core, so I would not be giving it to you my style if I did not also give you some small ways you can take action. These are ways I have used myself to overcome my fears too!
Step 1: Create a Canva post highlighting one of your favorite tech achievements.?
Here is a FREE Canva template to help get you started:
Step 2: Expand more on the story behind your achievement in the caption.
Step 3: Record a short video afterward sharing your experience making that post and how it inspired you! Encourage others to do the same — and don’t forget to tag @ReppedinTech and use the hashtags #getreppedintech and #reppedintech so we can reshare it on all our platforms!
??? I’m Dr. Teresa Vasquez, but you can call me Dr. T!
With over 20 years of professional experience at all levels in tech, I’m a Tech Leader and Educator who’s been through it all.
Yep, I’ve been there, done alla dat, and I don’t sugarcoat the experiences I’ve had.
As the founder of Repped In Tech?, I’m all about helping diverse creators amplify their voices in the tech world through our three pillars:
???? REPresentation and REPutation
???? INfluence
???? TECHnological skills
Join me on this journey of self-discovery and growth and #GetReppedInTech
Advertising Director at W!ld Monkey Design
1 年This was so my jam! We are just starting our social media outreach and it is sometimes painfully difficult to navigate engagement in a live environment. All the things you said (imposter syndrome, fear of public failure and judgement) seem to hit all at once. But we have a goal and have been so inspired by watching you thrive so authentically in your space! Thank you for being a beacon in the tech space.
Excited about this series!