Why do people vent on social media?

Here are some reasons why social networking sites trigger impulsive outbursts in people

While many are vocal about their feelings, there are several others who find it difficult to express themselves in words. Not talking, throwing tantrums and showing a cold shoulder to someone you don't like is passe. It's not hand-to-hand combat anymore, these days most people have taken to social networking sites to vent out their frustrations. However, what's worrying is the impulsiveness of these vents; it just takes a few seconds for people to voice themselves on this platform. Here's how this platform has lately triggered a marathon of impulsive outbursts and why.

It's simple and quick: It's the easier way to vent out your feelings, you can write as much and whatever you wish to, without mentioning who it is for. With new age connectivity, your outburst will be public in a fraction of seconds. Its far more simple than actually confronting the person and has an equally good effect, as it is impulsive.

It has a wider reach: Just imagine you lashing at someone on national television, the social network has an even wider reach. Everyone from your close friends to acquaintances to friends of friends as well as others across the globe, can see your post and get a fair idea about the state of your mind. If the person is common to a few of your contacts (chances of which are quite high), it adds to the purpose.

Ensures public support: The icing on the cake are the reactions, in the form of comments. You are sure to get a host of comments ranging from support talk to advice. This makes sure your outburst is backed by your supporters and you have managed to create a mini revolution online. In fact, some will also share your outburst, which ensures more and more public support from unknown people as well.

The response is flattering: The response to your outburst is so flattering that you feel victorious about the situation. You've been emphathised and sympathised with as well as garnered a lot of praise for being so courageous. This encourages you to rage an online war anytime.

Downside: Once posted, the world is treated with gossip about what you are going through. That's not all, this being an impulsive outburst, is obviously not backed with reason and thought. The words that come to your mind immediately after a spat, might change when you cool down. However, the damage is already done; in spite of the 'delete post' option, the post still remains in the database of the people who responded over it, in their inboxes and notifications at times. Lastly, although an outburst of a temporary state of mind, this action causes a permanent damage, if the person is of concern.

However, counsellor Malini Raichura feels that technology definitely has to be blamed for reducing our patience levels. "Indeed, technology has made many of us short-tempered. We all get so irritated if the internet is slightly slow or our mobile phone starts lagging. The social network is extremely accessible and hence it is easy to use it as a weapon to wage wars on people who bother us. However, what makes this even more dangerous is its reach; people across various continents can see, gauge and understand what you are going through. The only way to get rid of this temptation is to think before we lash out in public," says Raichura.

Expert speak: Jagruti Shetty, a clinical psychologist says, "People do post happy moments on social networking sites, but these are hardly impulsive. Most of these are posted with a relaxed mind when the person has been in a happy state for a while (surprises and extraordinarily special moments excluded). However, emotional outbursts are more in number. About 65 percent of people immediately post online after being hurt or angered. This means that patience levels are going down, and this platform in many ways is playing a catalyst at not letting a person keep his cool."

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