NJ ranks in top 10 for online bragging

There's a fine line between sharing and bragging, and it seems New Jerseyans are stepping over that line a bit too much.

Using opinions from thousands of social media users across the country, HeyLets.com determined New Jersey ranks ninth among the states for most boastful online postings. According to the site, 60 percent of New Jersey residents "frequently make self-promotional posts."

People have always had the desire to present their best attributes and accomplishments, but these days, that can be done instantly with a much larger audience, thanks to sites like Facebook and Twitter.

Hilary Brennan, head of Socially Savvy in Moorestown, said social media has elevated the art of bragging to a "whole new stratosphere."

"In the past, bragging was limited to shooting your mouth off to the unfortunate folks that you shared time and space with at work, school or within your community," Brennan said.

Besides your immediate family and closest friends, she said, no one cares much about your trip to Mexico or the new diet you're trying this week.

Rutgers sociology professor Deborah Carr echoed Brennan's opinion, noting your Facebook audience is mostly made up of people who aren't necessarily "friends," and some may actually be your workplace or high school rivals.

Carr said before you decide to put something online for everyone to see, ask yourself why it's necessary. Do you genuinely want to share, or are you hoping for a certain reaction from your followers?

"If someone's hoping for a particular type of reaction, that's actually a bad sign," Carr said. "They should be getting their affirmation somewhere else."

California ranked as the most boastful state in the country, with 77 percent of residents showing off regularly on the Web. Utah ranked as the most humble.