For someone like me, who spent years avoiding the digital world, getting back on social media in 2025 felt almost surreal. It started with a gradual disengagement from platforms I'd previously used extensively, such as Instagram and TikTok. At first, disabling notifications, removing apps from my phone's home screen, and deleting accounts altogether was challenging. However, this time around, the transition seemed effortless.
My return to social media began with Instagram, where every post felt like a chore. The platform's algorithm-driven feed bombarded me with sponsored content, influencer videos, and suggestions to follow random users, leaving my eyes glazed over. This was a far cry from the initial excitement I'd experienced on the platform years ago.
The same pattern repeated itself when I rejoined TikTok and YouTube Shorts. Every video felt like a brief, shallow encounter, devoid of substance or human connection. The platforms had become more like shopping malls than communities where people could engage with each other.
A closer examination reveals that this shift in social media is largely driven by the desire for profit. The algorithms are designed to maximize engagement and encourage users to spend more time on the platform. The result is a "carnival of bots" hawking products and services, leaving many users feeling frustrated and disconnected.
The evidence suggests that these platforms are no longer about human connection or creativity but have become thinly veiled e-commerce sites with artificially generated content. It's little wonder that people like me – those who initially found solace in social media – have grown disillusioned with the experience.
Yet, it's not all doom and gloom. There are alternatives to these platforms that prioritize user engagement over profit. For instance, Reddit is a shining exception, where users can interact with each other without the constant bombardment of sponsored content or artificially generated material. Its organizational structure and community-driven approach make it an attractive option for those seeking meaningful connections online.
While I'm not naive about the potential pitfalls of social media, I've come to accept that my interaction with these platforms will be limited. As a Gen Xer who's grown up in a digital world, I know enough about technology to be useful without needing a "black belt" in social media. For now, I'm content with navigating the online landscape on my own terms, one platform at a time.
My return to social media began with Instagram, where every post felt like a chore. The platform's algorithm-driven feed bombarded me with sponsored content, influencer videos, and suggestions to follow random users, leaving my eyes glazed over. This was a far cry from the initial excitement I'd experienced on the platform years ago.
The same pattern repeated itself when I rejoined TikTok and YouTube Shorts. Every video felt like a brief, shallow encounter, devoid of substance or human connection. The platforms had become more like shopping malls than communities where people could engage with each other.
A closer examination reveals that this shift in social media is largely driven by the desire for profit. The algorithms are designed to maximize engagement and encourage users to spend more time on the platform. The result is a "carnival of bots" hawking products and services, leaving many users feeling frustrated and disconnected.
The evidence suggests that these platforms are no longer about human connection or creativity but have become thinly veiled e-commerce sites with artificially generated content. It's little wonder that people like me – those who initially found solace in social media – have grown disillusioned with the experience.
Yet, it's not all doom and gloom. There are alternatives to these platforms that prioritize user engagement over profit. For instance, Reddit is a shining exception, where users can interact with each other without the constant bombardment of sponsored content or artificially generated material. Its organizational structure and community-driven approach make it an attractive option for those seeking meaningful connections online.
While I'm not naive about the potential pitfalls of social media, I've come to accept that my interaction with these platforms will be limited. As a Gen Xer who's grown up in a digital world, I know enough about technology to be useful without needing a "black belt" in social media. For now, I'm content with navigating the online landscape on my own terms, one platform at a time.
... social media has become so shallow, it's like everyone's just trying to make a buck off us 
. All these ads and sponsored stuff are just annoying. And don't even get me started on TikTok - it's all just a bunch of short, mindless videos 
. I remember when Instagram was cool back in the day, but now it's just like scrolling through a shopping mall 
. Reddit's the only one that still gets it right, imo 
.
. That's where the real connections happen, you know?
. Don't feel like you need to be on every platform or follow every influencer. Just stick to what makes you happy and fulfilled, and don't worry about the rest 
.
. It's like these platforms have become more about getting your money out than actually connecting with people. I mean, who needs all that noise and clutter when you can just join a community that actually cares? I've been there too, deleting accounts left and right until I found something that felt authentic again 
. Reddit is my new fave, it's like the internet's version of a cozy coffee shop – relaxed vibes only 
️. And honestly, it's refreshing to see someone who's not afraid to say what they think about social media 
.
those subreddits are so much more engaging than tiktok or instagram. i think whats missing from these platforms is that sense of community and human connection. has anyone else noticed how when you try to have deep conversations on these platforms they always get hijacked by comments about memes or current events? 
it feels like nobody wants to actually talk about anything meaningful anymore
. I deleted my Instagram account ages ago & it was liberating 
! Now, every post just feels like a spammy ad to me 
. TikTok's all about the "influencers" & YouTube Shorts are just short-form vids with no substance 
. It's crazy how much the algorithms have changed the vibe of these platforms.
. I'm glad u found Reddit - that's like a breath of fresh air 
! But yeah, I'm done with social media for now 
.
! Social media has come a long way since its heyday and it's clear that profit over people is where it's at now 
. I mean, who needs genuine connections when you can just watch 15-second videos of cats playing the piano or get sold stuff from bots, right? 
But, for real, platforms like Reddit are the way to go if you want to feel like part of a community 
. But hey, being able to navigate it on my own terms is all that matters to me 
.
I mean, what even is the point of Instagram if every post is just some pretty picture with a forced caption and a bunch of irrelevant hashtags?! And don't even get me started on TikTok - it's all just a never-ending loop of cringeworthy dance vids and overplayed music 
It's all just a big mess.
. I love how it's all about the community and the content, not about getting likes and followers. And honestly, that's what we should be focusing on, right? 
cant they do something about that?
. so yeah, maybe im just gonna stick with my own little corner of the internet and see what happens 
. It's like, I get it, profit is key and all that jazz 
. The community-driven stuff is so underrated! 
, it's a whole new level of interaction 
.
. I'll just stick to what works for me and keep on navigating the wild west of social media 
.
I mean what's the point of having 100k followers if it's all just a bunch of Sponsored content and influencer stuff? WHERE IS THE CONVERSATION?!?! 
...and don't even get me started on TikTok and YouTube Shorts - it's like they're trying to sell us something every 5 seconds 
. Nowadays it's all about the Benjamins – algorithms driving engagement, influencers getting rich off their followers, and ads taking over everything 
. And don't even get me started on those "short-form" vids on TikTok... feel like I'm watching a bunch of 15-second highlights reels from a sports game 
and I completely agree that social media has changed so much since I started using it back in the day. It's crazy how algorithms can make you feel like you're just scrolling through a never-ending list of stuff instead of actually connecting with people. On another note, have you ever noticed how some food trucks just seem to pop up out of nowhere and then vanish just as quickly? Like, what even is that