What does “vagbooking” mean?
The English word vaguebooking is formed by combining two words: the adjective vague, which means “vague, vague,” and the name of the social network Facebook*. The term “vagbooking” called publishing content that is intentionally written in an ambiguous and vague manner.
Typically, such posts are difficult to interpret, so followers have to contact the author to ask him additional questions and understand what he meant. For example, when someone writes “I can’t believe what happened to me today,” but does not specify exactly what situation he found himself in. Or he leaves a post “Everything is bad, please don’t write to me for a while,” but does not give specific information and only scares your friends.
In fact, vagbooking is a digital version of a real style of self-presentation, for which characteristic strategic ambiguity. This method of communication can be used in a variety of contexts, but the reason is always the same – to avoid direct statements.
Sometimes this technique is used with the best intentions, for example, so as not to offend or offend another person. Psychologists apply a similar technique so that the client independently comes to certain conclusions and thus considers them more significant and obvious. Politicians, on the other hand, resort to strategic ambiguity in a negative way. They don’t say anything specific, but use a lot of words in the hope that the listener will understand the speech as he or she wants.
Why do people turn to vagbooking?
When someone writes an obscure post that raises a lot of questions, it usually means that the author of the post simply wants readers to ask him these questions. Vagbooking is rarely motivated by evil intentions. It is rather a form of cunning.
Some social media users practice Vagbooking to get emotional support or attention. For one reason or another, it is difficult for them to directly ask for help, so they try to make sure that it is offered to them.
Loneliness is another factor that encourages to vagbooking. Lonely people who are not good at communicating their needs directly often use hints and vague language. In addition, this behavior is typical for users who suffer from symptoms of histrionic personality disorder. Both need social contacts, approval and support, but they are afraid of facing rejection due to the fact that someone will find their publications unpleasant or offensive.
At the same time, it’s not only about the character of the person who uses vagbooking, but also about the digital environment in which the post appears. Social networks are a huge space where it is difficult to predict who will react to a certain post and how. Therefore some users can use vagbooking as a security measure in an attempt to protect your privacy.
What are the risks associated with vagbooking?
Research devoted to this phenomenon does not yet provide a clear answer about the cause-and-effect relationships, but rather points to some patterns. For example, specialists tie up vagbooking with the general state of mental health and suggest that it may indicate difficulties in personality development.
Another small study found a connection between vagbooking and availability suicidal thoughts in young people. However, it is unclear whether vagbooking itself leads to this or, conversely, users with similar problems are more prone to it than others.
The consequences of wagbooking pose a threat mainly to the one who publishes vague posts, and not to the one who sees them in his feed. In particular, this practice capable undermine relationships with others. They may misinterpret the content – for example, think that the author is hinting at personal problems when his post is about work, begin to perceive him as someone who simply craves attention, and stop taking anything he writes seriously.
How to Avoid Vagbooking
The main strategy in this case is the same – do not give in to desire and do not publish mysterious posts on social networks. When you want to do this, you need to take a deep breath, slowly count to 10, and remind yourself why this is a very bad idea.
If the purpose of a post is to share something with an audience, you should add details rather than use vague language. If the mysterious message is intended for a specific recipient, it is better to discuss any misunderstandings or questions in person. This, unlike wagbooking, will bring you at least a little closer to resolving the conflict. When it is impossible to talk to a person directly or he does not want to hear anything, you can talk to your loved ones and try to let go of the situation. You should not write posts on social networks under the influence of strong emotions, such as anger or despair; you should definitely give yourself time to calm down.
If you can’t cope with the problem of vagbooking on your own, you should think about visiting a specialist. It can help find the cause and change behavior on social networks.
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*Activities of Meta Platforms Inc. and its social networks Facebook and Instagram are prohibited in the Russian Federation.