From Social to Interest Media: A Shift in Perspective

For several years, platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and even LinkedIn served as my daily digital landscape. I scrolled, liked, shared, and felt connected—or at least believed I did. After all, isn’t that why we call them “social” media?

Recently, however, as I’ve focused more intentionally on content creation through my blog here on WordPress.com and on my YouTube channels, I’ve come to a surprising realization: these platforms weren’t truly social at all, at least not in the way I initially perceived them. Instead, they were essentially consumer media.

Think about it: what social interaction truly happens when we hit “like” or scroll endlessly through someone else’s highlight reel? This passive engagement doesn’t foster meaningful conversations or deep connections. Instead, it provides a fleeting dopamine hit, a momentary entertainment—much like watching a TV show or movie. It’s consumption rather than connection.

After cutting ties with Facebook and Instagram, I’ve experienced a significant shift. Now, my interactions online have become richer, more purposeful, and more genuinely social—even when engaging with strangers who share my interests from around the globe. Platforms like YouTube and WordPress.com offer something fundamentally different; they are interest-based platforms. Here, we’re planting seeds of curiosity and enthusiasm, seeds that can blossom into genuine social interactions rooted in common passions and thoughtful dialogue.

Shifting from a social media consumer to a content creator has been a crucial step in evolving my online activity. By becoming an active participant rather than a passive spectator, the internet has transformed into a dynamic playing field for learning, experimenting, and genuine interaction. This shift provides me with meaningful reasons to stay active on these interest-based platforms.

I’m not alone in this shift. Movements like Digital Minimalism, championed by Cal Newport, and the advocacy by Tristan Harris at the Center for Humane Technology emphasize intentional use of technology. They urge us to move away from passive consumption towards active participation, quality interactions, and purposeful engagement.

My journey from social media to interest media has been deeply rewarding, and I encourage anyone feeling stuck in the passive consumption loop to consider this shift. You might find that a more intentional digital presence not only enriches your online interactions but brings greater satisfaction and meaning to your everyday life.