“Low profile” means “discreet,” and according to the Cambridge Dictionary, the term refers to actions or behaviors that do not attract attention or generate public interest. In social networks such as Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, the expression refers to people who tend to be offline for long periods and do not publish many publications, either in Stories or in the feed, choosing to maintain a more discreet profile with few friends or followers. That is, the term qualifies individuals who do not use, or use social media infrequently.
The practice divides opinions. Some claim that keeping a low profile has numerous benefits, such as avoiding exposure of personal life to virtual snoopers on duty. Others also say they have gained more quality of life by reducing their use of social networks and feeling more productive, focused, and willing. There are also reports of improvements in mental health as people stop comparing their own lives to influencers and other people they follow, which can cause feelings of failure and frustration.
On the other hand, there are those who find this practice to be bothersome. This is the case for those who claim that it is difficult to “stalk low-profile crushes”, especially on Instagram. Low exposure prevents the person interested from knowing more about the person’s life, such as the places they go to, their closest friends, and their relationships with family, studies, and work. Without this information, it is more complicated to make a virtual approximation. Critics of the low-profile style also claim that it distances individuals from social lives, even digital ones, and from contact with other people.
How to be low profile
Being low profile means staying out of the spotlight and avoiding drawing too much attention to yourself. Here are some tips on how to keep a low profile and that’s also what low profile celebrity could mean:
- Keep your personal life private: Avoid sharing too much information about your personal life, especially on social media. Keep your privacy settings high and avoid posting controversial or sensitive topics.
- Dress modestly: Avoid dressing in flashy or attention-grabbing outfits. Instead, opt for simple and comfortable clothing that blends in with the crowd.
- Avoid unnecessary attention: Avoid being the center of attention in public settings. Don’t speak too loudly or engage in disruptive behavior.
- Be humble: Avoid bragging or showing off your achievements or possessions. Instead, focus on being humble and modest.
- Keep a low online presence: Avoid having a large online presence by limiting your social media accounts or using pseudonyms.
- Practice good situational awareness: Pay attention to your surroundings and avoid drawing attention to yourself in situations where it may not be appropriate.
Low profile or high profile, which one am I?
If you’re wondering whether you’re a low profile person or a high profile person, the following characteristics of a low profile person and those of a high-profile person will help you determine which one you are:
| Low Profile Person | High Profile Person | |
| Public image | Generally stays out of the public eye and avoids attention. | Typically seeks attention and actively cultivates their public image. |
| Personal life | Keeps their personal life private. | Often shares personal life details publicly. |
| Appearance | Tends to dress simply and conservatively. | Often dresses in designer clothing and flashy outfits. |
| Social media | Tends to have a smaller social media presence or no social media presence at all. | Often has a large social media presence and regularly posts updates. |
| Interactions | Typically interacts with a smaller circle of close friends and family. | Often interacts with a wide range of people, including other high-profile individuals. |
| Career | May have a successful career but doesn’t typically seek out public recognition. | Often has a high-profile career, such as an actor, musician, or politician. |
| Activities | May enjoy low-key activities like reading, hiking, or spending time with family. | Often engages in high-profile activities like attending exclusive events or traveling to exotic locations. |
Keep in mind that these are generalizations, and not all individuals neatly fit into one category or the other. Additionally, there are many factors that can contribute to an individual’s profile level, including their career, social status, and personal preferences.
Final thought
Keeping a small circle of friends or followers and not leaving the account open, that is, exposed to anyone on the Internet, are also ways to adhere to the practice. Finally, if you have more affinity for a certain social network compared to others, the alternative may be to permanently delete your account. So you can prevent yourself from accessing it and posting frequently.