Unmasking the Illusion: The State of Twitter and Instagram in the Era of Social Media Fatigue
Introduction:
In an era dominated by social media, where platforms have become a part of our everyday lives, it is crucial to examine the state of these platforms and their impact on society. This article delves into a thought-provoking discussion on the current landscape of social media, focusing on Twitter and Instagram. It explores the challenges these platforms face and the perceptions surrounding them, shedding light on different perspectives and experiences.
The Lackluster Performance of New User Signups: One of the key observations made by the author is the lack of conversion of new signups into long-term active users. This sentiment resonates with many users who find it underwhelming that most active users on these platforms never contribute or engage but are still counted as monthly active users (MAU).
Culture, Controversy, and Advertisers: The article touches upon the shallow culture that dominates both Instagram and Twitter. It suggests that Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, is disinterested in news and journalism on its platform but instead focuses on creating a “fun” environment. This preference may stem from advertisers’ desire to avoid controversy, which has led to a decline in high follower users and affected the purpose of these platforms as cultural networks.
Self-Censorship and Real-Name Privacy: With Threads, an Instagram-based text platform, users express concerns about self-censorship due to the proximity to their real name and potential repercussions on other connected social media accounts. The article highlights the absence of real-time coverage of events on Threads, which Twitter is known for, and the scarcity of original content originating on Meta networks.
Journalists and the Impact on Twitter: Twitter, once a platform highly embraced by journalists, is now experiencing a decline in usage by this group. The author suggests that the changes in Twitter have not been well-received by journalists, who relied on the platform for reach and boosting readership. However, the author acknowledges that the future of Twitter remains uncertain, and its rebound cannot be discounted.
Social Media Fatigue and Alternatives: The article reflects on the growing social media fatigue experienced by users, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. It questions the benefits of social media and calls for individuals to consider walking away from these platforms rather than hoping for a new winner to emerge. The author states that social media was all a lie, and users did not gain any substantial knowledge or genuine connections through these platforms.
Different Perspectives on Instagram: The article presents contrasting viewpoints on Instagram. While some users find value in socializing with real friends and sharing personal content, others believe that similar interactions can be facilitated through alternative services such as messaging apps or email. The discussion focuses on the unique user experience Instagram offers as a content repository.
Conclusion: As social media continues to evolve, it is evident that platforms like Twitter and Instagram face challenges in retaining active users and adapting to changing user needs and preferences. The article emphasizes the need for a critical evaluation of social media usage, encouraging users to question the value and impact of these platforms on their own lives. Whether it is the disillusionment with social media or the quest for alternative means of interaction, the article invites readers to reflect on their social media habits and consider potential alternatives.
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Author Eliza Ng
LastMod 2023-07-29