Things Schools Should Actually Teach | Social Media Platforms Just Websites and Why That Matters
Many people think of social media as something separate from the rest of the internet, but at the end of the day, Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and TikTok are not separate. Social media platforms are just websites.
Understanding this changes how you interact with them, how much control you realize they have, and why depending on them too much can limit your online experience. You may also want to dive into The Difference Between a Website, an App, and a Platform. This will help you understand more about why social media are just websites.
Social Media Platforms Are Just Websites
At their core, social media platforms are just websites that allow users to create and share content. The difference is that they:
- Require user accounts to post or interact
- Use algorithms to filter what content you see
- Store massive amounts of user data
- Have centralized control over what gets promoted or removed
This means that social media platforms are not neutral public spaces. They are privately owned websites that control your experience.
Why This Matters
Most people don’t realize they are renting space on someone else’s website rather than owning their online presence. This leads to several major issues.
You Don’t Own Your Content or Audience
When you post on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter, you don’t own your content the same way you would on a personal blog or website. If the platform:
- Deletes your account: You lose all your posts and followers.
- Changes the algorithm: Fewer people see your content.
- Shuts down entirely: Everything disappears (think of MySpace, Vine, or Google+).
Solution: If you create content, consider having your own website, blog, or email list where you have full control.
Algorithms Decide What You See
Unlike traditional websites where you choose what to read, social media chooses for you through its algorithm. This means:
- You don’t see every post from accounts you follow.
- What you see is based on engagement, not accuracy.
- Content that keeps you scrolling (even if misleading) gets boosted.
Solution: If you want to stay informed, go directly to news websites, blogs, and resources outside of social media filters.
Social Media is Not the Internet
Some people use social media as if it’s the entire internet. They only:
- Search for news on Facebook
- Network on LinkedIn
- Watch videos on TikTok
The problem? You are limiting yourself to what these companies allow you to see. Meanwhile, the internet is full of resources outside of social media:
- Independent news sites
- Forums (Reddit, Quora, niche communities)
- Research databases
- Blogs and personal websites
Solution: Make a habit of searching for information on Google, DuckDuckGo, or directly on reputable websites instead of relying only on social media feeds.
What Can You Do to Take Back Control?
- Use social media as a tool, not your entire internet experience.
- Bookmark your favorite websites so you don’t rely on an algorithm to show them.
- Build your own presence on a website or blog where you control your content.
- Diversify your information sources. Don’t rely on one app to tell you everything.
The bottom line: Social media isn’t magic. It’s just a website, one you don’t control. The more you understand this, the better you can take charge of your online experience.
Remember: The Internet Isn’t Just Social Media.
Glossary
Algorithm: A system used by social media to decide what content appears in your feed.
Centralized Control: When a platform has total authority over what content is allowed or restricted.
Engagement: Likes, comments, shares are used by social media to rank content.
Filter Bubble: When algorithms only show content that aligns with your beliefs, limiting exposure to diverse opinions.
Platform: A website or app that allows users to create and share content (e.g., Facebook, YouTube).
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