Social media landscape has changed, do we need to interact with every single platform?
Lately, I’ve found myself asking the same question over and over again: do I really need to be on every social media platform?
It’s not like it used to be. Back in the day, you had Facebook for your uni friends, Instagram for your holiday snaps, and maybe Twitter for a few opinions or laughs. Simple enough. But now? There’s TikTok, Snapchat, BeReal, Threads, Lemon8… and who even knows what’s coming next?
Honestly, I’m tired.
Each platform demands something different. TikTok wants video creativity, Instagram wants aesthetic perfection, LinkedIn wants you to look like you’ve got your life together, and Twitter (or X, or whatever it’s called this week) wants your thoughts – short, sharp, and hopefully viral.
Keeping up feels like a full-time job.
It’s not just about the time, either. It’s the pressure. The pressure to post, to be seen, to stay relevant. The FOMO kicks in when everyone’s talking about the latest app or trend, and you feel like you’re missing out if you’re not there. But here’s the thing: being on every app doesn’t make me feel more connected - it makes me feel scattered.
Some days, I catch myself doom-scrolling through three or four different platforms without even realising it. I’m not really engaging. I’m not even enjoying it. I’m just… consuming. And half the time, I end up feeling worse afterwards - less focused, more anxious, and weirdly disconnected from everything.
It’s made me rethink how I use social media. Just because a platform exists doesn’t mean I have to use it. Just because all my mates are on an app doesn’t mean I need to be, too. What’s the point of being online if it doesn’t actually add value to your life?
Lately, I’ve started pulling back. I’ve deleted a few apps I barely used. I turned off notifications. I now check in on the platforms that actually bring me joy or serve a purpose - like connecting with close friends, getting inspired by creators I love or finding useful info.
I’ve realised that I don’t need to perform for every platform. I don’t need to constantly show up just to keep up. Social media should be about connection, expression, maybe even a bit of fun. It shouldn’t feel like a chore or a competition.
So, no - I don’t think I need to be everywhere online. I just need to be me, in the spaces that feel good, and forget the rest.
And if that means I miss the next viral trend or don’t reply to a comment in five minutes? So be it. I’d rather be present in one place than feel lost in five.
Sheila Hunter for Elevate Magazine
