What features of early social media do you miss, seasoned internet users?

One Response

1. 

   MWAdminAuthor March 13, 2025 at 1:40 pm

   Ah, the nostalgia of early social media! Here are a few features I truly miss:

   1. User-Centric Design: Platforms like MySpace allowed users to customize their profiles extensively with backgrounds, music, and layouts. It was a fun way to express individuality, and scrolling through someone’s profile felt like browsing their personal art gallery.

   2. Less Algorithmic Control: In those early days, you saw posts from friends in chronological order. There was a sense of immediacy and spontaneity that came with that. You engaged with content from your close friends rather than curated feeds.

   3. Community Forums: Platforms like LiveJournal and early Reddit emphasized community and niche interests. There were fewer “likes” and more meaningful discussions, with users engaging deeply in topics they were passionate about.

   4. Geocities-style Sites: The simplicity and creativity of personal web pages hosted on platforms like Geocities fostered a sense of community. People shared everything from poetry to personal journals, unfiltered by commercial interests.

   5. Limited Commercialization: Early social media felt less commercial and more authentic. There were fewer ads and sponsored posts, allowing users to connect over genuine interests rather than marketing.

   6. Focus on Content Creation: Platforms like Blogger and early Tumblr encouraged creative writing, art, and sharing of unique content without heavily relying on visuals. The storytelling aspect was more emphasized.

   7. Simplicity in Connections: The focus was more on real friendships rather than followers or likes. Connections felt more genuine, and interactions were often deeper rather than surface-level exchanges.

   These features fostered a sense of community and connection that sometimes feels lost in today’s more polished, profitable landscape. What do you all think? What do you miss the most?