I'm creating my own social media

07/07/2025

Candidly, I’m sick of social media. At this point, its sole purpose is to steal data from you so that Zuck or Musk can make a buck. Think about it! Every post, every reel, every TikTok or whatever, must be in a format specifically made to grab your attention. Practically everyone in the tech industry (who hasn’t drank the kool-aid) understands perfectly well that these platforms – Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Twitter, etc. – are designed to steal your personal information and sell it to the highest bidders. So, I’ve decided to take matters into my own hands. I’m going to keep posting, but on my own terms, on my own platform. Abolish the algorithm!

There are many reasons to get off social media. Your attention span will improve, you will become less stressed, you will have a clearer understanding of current events, etc., etc., but I’ll outline three of my main reasons for leaving social media:

1. Social media is stealing your data and manipulating your behavior
2. Social media is destroying politics and literacy
3. Social media does not facilitate relationships

Social media is stealing your data and manipulating your behavior

I’m a Graphic Designer and have been for 7 years now. I’ve spent years learning how to create graphics, websites, storefronts, etc., and I currently specialize in digital design. I also have a personal interest in how the internet is structured and operated, so I have a better understanding of social media than most. Here’s how that all works… I’ll try and keep it simple, but it’s a complicated process.

Social media is a platform for businesses and advertisers, not you. You are the product. In order to post at all you must have an account, email, allow access to photos and personal information. Your information is then analyzed by an algorithm and stored on servers. In order for social media to remain “free,” tech companies have decided that your information will be their product, so they then sell your personal information to anyone who is willing to pay for it.

Here’s the thing though… Social media can only do that for so long, before people tune out. Naturally, the solution is to keep you engaged for longer. So, the platforms remove the chronological timeline in favor of a sorting algorithm. This ensures that the “most engaging” content is shown more often. Statistically, the algorithm rewards fast-paced content filled with rage, sadness, and misinformation. When billions of people are constantly consuming content like this, it creates a feedback loop. Using social media is funding a self-sustaining behavior manipulation machine. Not great.

Social media is destroying politics and literacy

Because social media rewards bullshit content, real-world politics become a game to feed the manipulation machine. For example: It’s much more attention-grabbing to make a post about transgender surgeries on illegal aliens in prison, than it is to explain a complex healthcare policy. “Concepts of a plan” is funnier and more engaging than real ideas. The Trump administration knows this and has worked with Data Barons to ensure success. This is a fundamental reason for the administration’s victory in 2024. Democrats suck at using technology and haven’t devised any alternatives for educating us on their policies.

Using social media can be helpful to spread messages and information that is true, but the cons outweigh the pros, in my opinion. Nationwide, social media is being used by politicians and billionaires to rip apart the political structure this country has used for decades – in favor of an authoritarian government, which uses social media to farm our personal information. The more we interact, the more data we create, the wealthier our owners become. They use their wealth to ensure that we have no alternatives, no community, no infrastructure.

Social media does not facilitate relationships

Since ditching social media, I’ve gained new friends and felt my current relationships deepen. Without social media, I have to find alternatives. Instead of doom scrolling, I read at a coffee shop, go to the library or hang out with friends irl. It’s clear that we don’t need another app, we need shared public spaces and fulfilling relationships. If I do want to interact with people digitally, I text, call, or use a discord server. There are a million solutions to the loneliness epidemic, but what helps most is ditching platforms that don’t support real relationships.

Now what?

“Ok Zoe, we get it. Social media bad, real life good. Now what?”

Now we make changes. I promise it’s not that hard. Here’s exactly what I’ve done step by step. Doing these has increased my quality of life, my attention span, and my capacity for relationships.

• Delete social media. Start with the apps, and check in on a computer instead. I know it’s sooo 90’s, but I promise it’s a better way to do it. If you still want to post, you can! I have, but I make sure I delete the app immediately after, if it’s not possible to post from a computer. If you want to post more consistently, use a platform that doesn’t have an algorithm, or create your own website (I’ll even help you do it, for real. Just reach out! zoeallgaier@gmail.com)
• Stop using social media for news PLEASE! Literally just check AP or NPR’s site once in a while, better yet, check in on your local news’ website. Get some objective info, and react accordingly. Stop relying on TikTok for serious world events.
• Reach out! Hang out with people in real life! Text and call!
• Read a damn book.

This blog post (or whatever this is) is going to live on my website. It might get less attention, but it’s mine. I want the internet to be a better place and I’m not going to rely on the platforms that got us into this mess in the first place.