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In 2024, Using Social Media Felt Worse Than Ever
As I gazed at my social media feeds this year, a sense of dread washed over me. It’s as if the very platforms designed to bring people together have devolved into toxic wastelands, devoid of genuine human connection. The supposed consequences of our online actions have become starkly apparent – enshittification, a term coined by linguists and cultural critics, has taken hold.
In theory, social media was meant to be a space where we can share ideas, engage with like-minded individuals, and build meaningful relationships. However, the reality is far from that. Facebook, once a hub for personal updates and community building, now feels like an impenetrable mess of algorithm-driven posts and sponsored content. Twitter, which was once a vibrant space for real-time discussions, has been reduced to a platform rife with bots, political propaganda, and endless drama.
Meanwhile, Instagram’s spin-off, Threads, promised a more intimate experience, but it quickly became a breeding ground for echo chambers, disinformation, and shallow engagement. The lack of direct messaging (DMs) only exacerbates the problem, as all conversations take place in public, fostering an environment that feels impersonal and unwelcoming.
The proliferation of AI-generated content has further eroded the sense of authenticity. Meta’s push to incorporate AI into its platforms is a prime example. While it may seem innovative to create AI characters that mirror our online personas or chat with fictional entities, I fear we’re sacrificing what makes us human in the process.
As the saying goes, “we didn’t get better; the rest of the internet just got worse.” This phrase, once plastered on a Tumblr poster, now resonates more strongly than ever. The truth is that the digital landscape has become increasingly inhospitable, and it’s time we acknowledge the harm caused by these platforms.
The search for an alternative social media experience has been ongoing, with recent attempts like BeReal, Hive, and SpaceHey struggling to gain traction. Discord and Reddit, while providing dedicated spaces for specific groups, lack the universal appeal of mainstream social media. It seems that our collective desire for human connection is being suffocated by these monolithic platforms.
Perhaps we’re too caught up in the endless cycle of consumption and the constant stream of content to recognize what’s truly missing – a sense of belonging, empathy, and genuine conversation.
Source: www.engadget.com
