The Internet Isn’t Just Social Media | Understanding Websites versus Platforms
The Internet is massive, but many people only interact with it through social media. If your online world revolves around Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or Twitter (now X), it’s easy to forget that these are just websites—big, powerful, and complex, but still just websites.
In this article, we’ll break down the difference between websites, platforms, and social media so you can navigate the Internet more effectively, find information, and avoid the trap of digital echo chambers.
1. Websites vs. Platforms vs. Social Media
At the core, all social media sites are websites, but not all websites are social media. Here’s the distinction:
- Website: A general term for any page or collection of pages on the internet (e.g., a blog, news site, business page).
- Platform: A system that allows users to create, share, or interact with content (e.g., YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn).
- Social Media: A subset of platforms designed for social interaction, engagement, and content sharing.
Think of it this way: Facebook is a website that functions as a social media platform. Your favorite blog is just a website.
Understanding this distinction is crucial. Why? Because many people rely only on social media for their news, entertainment, and interactions, without realizing the wealth of resources available on independent websites.
2. Why Does It Matter?
Many people mistakenly think that if something isn’t on social media, it doesn’t exist. That’s far from the truth. Here’s why understanding the difference is important:
A. Information Control & Censorship
Social media platforms control what you see through algorithms. If a website or news source isn’t boosted by these platforms, you might never find it—even if it contains valuable information.
Example: You search for something on Facebook, but only posts that the algorithm deems “engaging” show up. Meanwhile, a website with expert analysis may not appear at all.
B. Owning Your Digital Space
Businesses and creators who rely solely on social media are at the mercy of platform rules. If a platform shuts down or bans you, you lose access to your audience. A personal website or email list is a more stable way to maintain an online presence.
Example: A musician with just a Facebook page could lose all their fans if Facebook deletes their account, but a musician with a personal website retains control.
C. Access to a Broader Internet
Relying only on social media means you’re missing out on the vast majority of online content. Independent websites, forums, educational resources, and niche communities often contain deeper, higher-quality information than what’s trending on social platforms.
3. How to Explore the Internet Beyond Social Media
Many people struggle with how to find good content outside of social media. Here’s how you can break free:
A. Learn to Use a Search Engine Properly
Most people type basic phrases into Google and click the first link. That’s a mistake. Search engines are tools—you need to learn how to use them effectively.
- Use quotes (“best rock bands of the 90s”) to search for exact phrases.
- Add site: (e.g., site:example.com or site:gov for government sites).
- Use minus (-) to remove words (e.g., best laptops -MacBook).
- Try DuckDuckGo for less algorithmic filtering.
B. Visit Independent Websites
Bookmark valuable websites. Instead of relying on Facebook or Instagram for news, go directly to the source:
- News: AP News, Reuters, BBC, local news websites
- Tech & Science: Wired, Ars Technica, MIT Technology Review
- Education: Khan Academy, Coursera, university websites
- Hobbies & Interests: Niche forums, official brand pages, independent blogs
C. Follow Blogs & Email Newsletters
Social media limits what you see. Subscribing to newsletters ensures direct access to content without algorithm interference.
Examples:
- Sign up for email lists of writers you like.
- Follow industry experts’ blogs instead of waiting for their content to appear on social media.
D. Use RSS Feeds & Aggregators
Before social media dominated, RSS feeds allowed users to follow websites without relying on platforms. Modern versions include:
- Feedly (RSS feed reader)
- Pocket (save articles to read later)
- Reddit (curated discussions)
4. Avoiding Digital Echo Chambers
A digital echo chamber happens when you only see information that reinforces your beliefs. Social media algorithms do this on purpose to keep you engaged, often at the cost of truth.
How to Break Free:
- Read from multiple sources, not just one website.
- Seek out opposing views to challenge your thinking.
- Use search engines instead of relying on a social media feed.
- Don’t assume something is true just because it’s trending.
5. Take Control of Your Internet Experience
If social media is your only gateway to the internet, you’re only seeing a fraction of what’s out there. The best way to take control is to understand that websites, platforms, and social media are not the same—and use the internet accordingly.
Start today:
- Try searching for information outside of social media.
- Bookmark valuable websites.
- Subscribe to blogs and newsletters instead of relying on algorithms.
Your internet experience should be yours to control—not dictated by social media platforms.
The Lighter Side of Social Media
Now that we covered the most important tips about social media, it’s time for a little harmless mischief and fun. Check out my article, How to Not Get Banned Off Social Media (Unless You Want To, in Which Case, Make It Count).
Glossary
(Alphabetized for easy reference)
- Algorithm: A set of rules used by platforms like Facebook and Google to determine what content to show you.
- Echo Chamber: A situation where people are only exposed to ideas that reinforce their existing beliefs.
- Feedly: A tool that allows users to follow multiple blogs and news sources in one place.
- Platform: A system that allows users to create, share, and interact with content (e.g., Facebook, YouTube).
- RSS Feed: A tool that lets users follow updates from multiple websites without visiting them manually.
- Search Engine: A tool that helps users find websites on the internet (e.g., Google, DuckDuckGo).
- Social Media: Online platforms designed for social interaction and content sharing (e.g., Twitter, Instagram).
- Website: A collection of web pages accessible through the internet, often independent of social media.
Next in the Series | How to Spot a Scam Online
In the next article, we’ll cover how to recognize scams, phishing emails, and fake websites—so you never fall for them again.
Stay tuned and take control of your digital life!
Unlock the Secrets of the Digital World with Our Engaging Article Series | Things Schools Should Actually Teach
Dive into our lively collection of articles designed to boost your digital savvy and cybersecurity know-how. From demystifying the differences between websites and platforms to mastering online privacy, our series offers practical insights to help you navigate the internet like a pro.
Things Schools Should Actually Teach | The Ultimate Internet Survival Guide
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