Worried about someone’s cryptic post on social media? They might be ‘vaguebooking’ you.

You see the post − but you're not quite sure what it's about.

"Just when you think someone is your friend…" it might say. Or, "I am just beyond words right now...” Or maybe, "I can't believe you would do this..." (The ending ellipses tend to be a hallmark.)

Your brain starts to race. What's going on with this person? Is everything OK? Wait... are they talking about me? Immediately, you send a message or leave a comment. Something to show you're thinking about them and you care.

If this has happened to you, congratulations: You've been "vaguebooked."

"Vaguebooking" involves writing something intentionally mysterious on social media in order to generate buzz and get reactions from people as they try to figure out what your post means. Most of the time, experts say, vaguebooking boils down to a pitiful plea for attention on the part of the poster.

"These kinds of posts from friends or family are vague enough to make everyone curious and emotional enough to invite concern. And suddenly the comments start rolling in: 'Are you OK?' 'What happened?' 'Sending love!'" says Monica Berg, author of "Rethink Love: 3 Steps to Being the One, Attracting the One, and Becoming One" and host of the podcast "Spiritually Hungry." "Vaguebooking − especially when it involves relationships or exes − reveals a desire for external validation."

Experts add that the prevalence of vaguebooking also speaks to the breakdown of communication skills more broadly, as well as the the lengths some go to garner attention. And, if you find yourself on the other end of vaguebooking − wondering if someone's cryptic post might have anything to do with you − it can take a mental health toll as well.

"Conflict is an inevitable element of the human experience," says Melvin Williams, associate professor of communication and media studies at Pace University. "Yet, society still struggles with developing appropriate conflict resolution techniques and coping mechanisms. As a result, vaguebooking becomes a passive-aggressive pacifier to soothe the discomfort of explicitly addressing disagreements and communicating one’s feelings."

Why do people 'vaguebook'?

It's likely most social media users have encountered "vaguebooking" at some point. Maybe we've even done it ourselves.

What the behavior expresses, Berg says, is a deeper desire to be seen. "Vaguebooking" might have emerged in the era of social media. But seeking validation has been around as long as civilization itself.

"When we post something cryptic or emotionally charged, hoping others will read between the lines, what we’re really expressing is our longing to be seen, heard and understood," Berg says. "But seeking that recognition through ambiguity won’t provide us with what we really want − connection."

And, when you get wise to "vaguebooking," it's hard not to see it for what it is when it crops up on your social media page.

"Vaguebooking can feel manipulative, and many find it downright irritating," Berg adds. "Before dismissing the post though, acknowledge that at its core is a sincere desire for connection. While you don’t have to comment on the post, maybe you can check in with that person by sending a text or a DM."

Are you a 'vaguebooker'? Try this instead

And if you catch yourself guilty of vaguebooking, it might be time to stop and reflect. What's driving you to post this way on social media? What's really behind this behavior, and what's a better way to address it?

"Allow yourself to fully experience your feelings, and if needed, seek professional assistance," Williams says. "Behind this ambiguous practice lie human beings with unexpressed emotions seeking cathartic releases, conflict resolutions and emotional support online."

And, as much as you can, try to keep your communication style direct, respectful and honest. That goes for in-person as well as online.

"You do not have to be covert in your communications," Williams says. "Clarity is gained through direct, effective communication, not subliminal, online articulations."