Social media has played a steady but evolving role in my life. I was born in a time when the internet was taking off, and social media looked much different from what it does today. Looking back, my experience with social media really started before it was even called “social media.” I remember using MSN Messenger and Nexopia when I was younger.
MSN was how everyone stayed in touch after school. I remember rushing home to log on, which took a little longer as dial-up internet was what we had to work with. I will never forget the horrible sound of the connection. I would spend hours chatting with friends even though we’d just seen them. The little “ding” sound of a new message and customizing my screen name with different fonts or song lyrics felt like a big deal. It was simple, fun, and honestly, a huge part of how friendships worked back then.
Nexopia was another early site that stood out. It was kind of like the first version of Facebook for teenagers, where we would post pictures, write about ourselves, and decorate our profiles with bright backgrounds and quotes. It felt exciting to have a space that was just for us, but looking back, it also introduced the early idea of presenting yourself a certain way online.
Photo by BoliviaInteligente on Unsplash
Not long after, Facebook took over, and it became more about sharing life updates and connecting with family. I used it extensively throughout high school, posting photos, commenting on friends’ walls, and sharing memories. Over time, though, it started to feel less personal. These days, I mostly use it to stay in touch with family, browse the marketplace (which seems to be loaded with scams now), and check local events, rather than posting much about my own life.
Photo by Alexander Shatov on Unsplash
Then came Instagram, which became my favourite, and still is. I love how visual it was and how easy it is to share pictures and stories. It feels creative, like a digital scrapbook. But I’ve also noticed how easy it can be to fall into comparing your life to everyone else’s highlight reels. Now, I use it more intentionally. I follow pages that inspire or motivate me, and try my best to avoid endless scrolling, also known as ‘doomscrolling’ these days. My husband and I enjoy sharing funny reels and recipes. We all need a laugh in our day to keep things positive, and thinking, “What’s for dinner tonight?” is a daily struggle for every adult.
Photo by appshunter.io on Unsplash
I also tried Snapchat for a bit, but it never really stuck with me. I liked how spontaneous it was, but I found it hard to keep up with constant updates and streaks. I prefer platforms where I can take my time and share things more thoughtfully.
Photo by Eyestetix Studio on Unsplash
Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash
Unlike many people today, I’ve never used TikTok, Twitter (now X), or any of the newer social media apps. It’s not that I’m against them; I just never felt the pull to join. Perhaps it’s a generational thing. I already spend enough time online, and I prefer to keep my digital life simple. Sometimes it feels refreshing not to be caught up in the constant trends or short-form content that comes with newer platforms.
Overall, my experience with social media has changed a lot over the years. It started as something purely fun and social, but now I see it as something that needs balance. I’ve learned to use it in ways that make me feel connected and creative, without letting it take over my time or self-image.