A narcissist may choose to scrub all their information from public platforms like Google, Facebook, and other social media for various reasons, most of which are tied to their desire to control their image, avoid accountability, and maintain a sense of power and superiority. Here are some potential reasons why a narcissist might engage in such behavior:
Reinventing Their Image: Narcissists are highly concerned about how they are perceived by others. If they feel that their online presence doesn't align with the image they want to project or if they fear that certain information might expose their vulnerabilities or flaws, they may scrub their profiles to create a new and more favorable online persona.
Avoiding Exposure: Narcissists often have a hidden agenda and might engage in manipulative behaviors or actions that they don't want others to discover. By removing personal information from public platforms, they reduce the risk of people finding out about their less desirable actions or past behavior.
Control and Privacy: Narcissists value control over every aspect of their lives, including how much information others have access to about them. Scrubbing their online presence allows them to keep a tighter grip on their personal information and maintain a sense of privacy.
Fear of Criticism: Narcissists have a fragile ego and may struggle to handle criticism or negative feedback from others. By removing themselves from public platforms, they can avoid potential criticism and maintain the illusion of being flawless.
Discarding the Past: A narcissist might want to sever ties with past relationships, associations, or memories that they find inconvenient or that don't fit their current narrative of success and superiority. Deleting their online presence is a way to cut ties with their past.
Eliminating Evidence: If a narcissist has engaged in manipulative or harmful behavior and fears that evidence of such behavior might be used against them, they may attempt to remove any traces of it from public platforms.
Maintaining Power and Control: By controlling what information is available about them online, narcissists can retain power over their narrative and manipulate how others perceive them, thus maintaining their sense of control and dominance.
It's essential to understand that these actions are driven by the narcissist's underlying psychological tendencies and their need to protect their self-image. Scrubbing their online presence doesn't change the fact that they have narcissistic traits or that their behavior may negatively impact those around them.
If you find yourself dealing with a narcissist or have been affected by their behavior, it's crucial to prioritize your own well-being and consider seeking support from friends, family, or a mental health professional who can provide guidance and help you establish healthy boundaries.