u/kelsiedeanna

I wasn't sure where else to post this in hopes that question-asker Ollie from today's episode of Dear Hank & John (463: I've Signed More Books Than God) would see it, so maybe this subreddit will be the right place!

To Ollie, and anyone else out there who doesn't use social media but is stepping into a new phase of life like attending a new school, starting a new job, etc. and wants to make friends without succumbing to social pressures and/or doomscrolling:

• Texting is absolutely a fine option on its own! In my experience, if people vibe with someone and want to connect, they'll text regardless of whether it's something they typically do.
• Snapchat wasn't a bad suggestion by Hank, though of course it depends on whether people in your community are using it.
• Discord would be a great option, also depending on usage in your community, and my personal favorite platform for group chats.
• If you are going to cave and get Instagram, the ways I avoid doomscrolling on there are having notifications for everything except DMs turned off, not having the app on my home screen, and spending a lot of time playing mobile games (AFK Journey, anyone? 👀)

If anyone else would like to add suggestions/offer feedback on mine, especially anyone closer to Ollie's situation (it's been nearly a decade since I was in school), please do!