omwalling

Omwalling is a neologism that has appeared in certain online communities to describe boundary-based behavior in digital spaces. There is no single, widely accepted definition, and usage varies by context. In its broad sense, omwalling refers to efforts to create, reinforce, or maintain a personal or group boundary that limits access to one's content, interactions, or information. This can include selective posting, tightening privacy settings, muting or blocking participants, and curating the flow of information to reduce exposure to unwanted content or interactions.

Different communities emphasize different aims. Some portray omwalling as a practical strategy for protecting mental health, reducing burnout, or safeguarding marginalized members from harassment. Others view it as a form of gatekeeping or withdrawal from broader discourse, potentially contributing to echo chambers or diminished accountability. Because the term is informal, its boundaries and ethical implications are actively debated in online discussions.

The etymology of omwalling is not standardized; it is generally treated as a compound of walling with a modifier indicating practice, though the precise origin remains unclear. The term tends to appear in discussions about digital well-being, moderation practices, and community guidelines rather than in formal lexicons or academic literature.

Related concepts include online boundary-setting, blocking and muting, digital well-being, and echo chambers.