r/SocialMediaHQ

I recently started using Facebook again after being away for a while, and honestly, it doesn't feel like the same platform anymore.

One of the first things I noticed was how little interaction my posts received. It also feels like my feed is filled with suggested pages, AI-generated content, random videos, and posts from accounts I don't even follow.

I miss when Facebook was mostly about keeping up with friends and family. Now it feels like the algorithm decides everything you see, and finding updates from people you actually know takes more effort than it should.

Maybe it's just nostalgia, but the old Facebook felt much more personal.

Has your experience been the same, or do you still enjoy using Facebook the way it is today?

A lot of people say they've stopped enjoying X, yet they still open the app every day. Is it the breaking news? The communities? The memes? Or is it simply a habit at this point? What's the main reason you still use X?

One minute you find an incredibly insightful thread.

The next minute, the replies are full of arguments, bots, and people trying to go viral.

Do you think X is still a good place for meaningful discussions, or has engagement become more important than conversation?

A lot of people say they've stopped enjoying X, yet they still open the app every day.

Is it the breaking news?

The communities?

The memes?

Or is it simply a habit at this point?

What's the main reason you still use X?

I know this might sound like a small thing, but I recently tried using Facebook again after not touching it for a long time, and I was surprised by how confusing it feels.

Something as simple as changing a setting, editing a profile, or managing a post seems to take way more steps than it should. There are so many menus and options that it almost feels like you need a guide just to find basic features.

Maybe it's because the platform has been adding features for years, but it doesn't feel nearly as straightforward as Instagram, TikTok, or even Reddit.

Is it just me, or has Facebook become a little too cluttered?

If you still use Facebook regularly, what's one thing you'd simplify about it?

I've noticed that some Marketplace listings get hundreds of views within a day, while others barely get noticed even with similar prices.

For those who regularly buy or sell on Facebook Marketplace, what actually helps a listing perform better?

Do better photos and titles make the biggest difference, or does Facebook's algorithm decide who sees your listing?

These posts are written to sound like genuine questions, making them more likely to attract comments and discussion rather than simple yes/no responses.

Most advice on social media seems to be of the "digital detox" variety. I think that's very valid, but I wonder if there are other approaches?

I made a post a few days ago about the problems facing youth which a lot of people resonated with - many mentioned social media addiction being a huge problem for young people. Would you agree?

I myself am not a big fan of social media, but I have experienced some genuine connections using it. I have some thoughts on the matter myself (good social media use) but I thought I would post first and see what people have to say,

I used to open Facebook to see updates from friends and family.

Now it feels like every other post is AI-generated images, engagement bait, recycled memes, suggested pages, or content from people I don't even follow.

It feels like the platform knows how to keep people scrolling, but not necessarily how to show them what they actually came for.

Maybe it's just me, but Facebook doesn't feel as personal anymore.

Do you still enjoy using Facebook, or does it feel completely different from what it used to be?

What's the biggest change you've noticed?

Between Shorts, endless scrolling, and quick recommendations, YouTube feels very different from the platform it was years ago.

Do you like the direction it's heading, or do you miss the old YouTube experience?

Everyone says, "Just keep uploading."

But plenty of creators upload consistently for months without seeing much growth, while someone else uploads one video that explodes overnight.

Do you think consistency is still the biggest factor, or does luck play a much bigger role than people admit?

A few years ago, TikTok felt like the place where almost anyone could go viral overnight. Creators seemed to grow faster, the algorithm felt more exciting, and the app was full of original content.

Lately though, it feels like more people are saying the experience has changed. Some creators complain about lower reach, technical issues, content moderation, and monetization that isn't as rewarding as it used to be. Others say the app is becoming too saturated, making it much harder for new creators to stand out.

At the same time, platforms like Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts have become much stronger competitors, giving creators more places to post the same content.

Do you think TikTok is actually declining, or has the platform simply matured and become more competitive?

If you've been using TikTok for a few years, what do you think has changed the most?

I've noticed that I don't usually uninstall a social media app overnight. It's more like it slowly becomes less enjoyable until one day I realize I haven't opened it in weeks—or I just delete it without thinking twice.

Sometimes it feels like there are too many ads. Other times it's the endless recycled content, bots, or an algorithm that no longer shows me anything I'm interested in.

I'm curious if other people have had the same experience. What was the moment that made you decide, "I'm done with this app"? And did you ever end up coming back, or was that the end of it?

One thing I've noticed is that people often only see the end result.

A creator hits 100k followers.

A video goes viral.

A page suddenly blows up.

What they don't see are the months—or even years—of posting with barely any views, testing different ideas, learning the algorithm, improving content, and staying consistent.

Whether it's YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, or Reddit, growing on social media seems to be a lot more like building a business than getting lucky.

Do you think people underestimate how much work goes into growing on social media?

Or do you believe success is mostly about timing and luck?

Despite new competitors, X still seems to be the first place many people check during breaking news, elections, sports, and major events.

At the same time, platforms like Truth Social, Threads, Bluesky, and others have built their own communities.

Do you still see X as the main platform for public conversation, or do you think that role is slowly changing?

I feel like we hear this all the time:

"I quit my job because of social media."

"I made my first $10,000 online."

"Anyone can make money with content."

But nobody really explains what they actually do.

If you've ever earned money through social mediavwhether it's YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Reddit, X, or somewhere else how did you do it?

Was it ad revenue, affiliate marketing, freelancing, selling a product, brand deals, or something completely different?

I'm more interested in hearing real stories than seeing another "guru" video.

If someone was starting today with zero followers, what would you honestly recommend?