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Although social media began its rise in the mid-2000s, it didn’t hit the mainstream until the 2010s. Unfortunately, this digital revolution happened in my adulthood, and I can’t help but reflect on the potential benefits I missed out on.
1Instant Communication Would Have Been Fun
Text messages were the main form of communication during my teenage years, but I now see that they were boring since they didn’t allow for sharing thoughts and ideas in real time. Chat apps are more dynamic and engaging, considering they allow instant sharing of multimedia, such as videos, images, voice notes, GIFs, and stickers.
Furthermore, voice and video calls would have made the interactions more personal and expressive. Video calls, in particular, could have bridged the gap between digital and in-person interactions much sooner, helping create stronger bonds with childhood friends over distances.
2Staying Connected Would Have Been Easier
Over time, family and friends can move away, making it harder to stay in touch. Before social media, you had to put in a lot of effort to stay in touch and updated on their lives. This was challenging as a kid before social media, considering the means of communication were limited and visiting frequently wasn’t an option.
With social media platforms, I could have indirectly caught up with them through the regular updates (posts, photos, and videos) they share online. I could have remained an active part of their lives, even from afar.
3I Would Have Been More Entertained
A vast sea of entertainment would have been at my fingertips if I had social media growing up. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Bluesky entertain me with funny memes, viral videos, and trending topics.
Also, if I want to learn a skill, discover a different culture, watch a music video, or laugh at a comedy clip, platforms like YouTube and TikTok have me covered. It’s hard to get bored with social media around.
4Easier Access to the Latest News and Updates
Social media has made finding news and updates way easier these days. Back then, you’d have to rely on traditional media. But now, it’s at your fingertips.
As long as you’re careful anddon’t believe everything on social media, it’s a great source of information.
You can get the latest news and updates, whether it’s current affairs, entertainment, or science, in seconds. These are delivered to you in real-time and from diverse perspectives in a feed tailored to your individual interests.
5I Would Never Have Given Up on Some of My Hobbies
Social media can help foster communities by connecting like-minded individuals across geographical boundaries. It makes sharing interests, organizing events, and supporting each other’s growth easier. Through hashtags, groups, and forums, people can easily discover communities that align with their passions and goals.
Social media would have been invaluable during my skateboarding phase (inspired, of course, by Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater). I felt isolated, thinking I was the only skater in my area. Later, I discovered that a few kids in nearby neighborhoods had also tried and abandoned the hobby.
We lacked a tool like social media to connect and build a supportive skateboarding community. I can’t help but wonder what could have been.
6Nostalgia Trips Would Have Gone Back Further
Social media can be a repository for your fondest moments. You can always go back and look at different phases of your life through the content you shared and others tagged you in, whether it was status updates, photos, or videos.
For me, these memories start around 2008 on social media, and it pains me to think how much further back they could have gone. Although I have photos and other memorabilia I can dig up from old boxes, they would have been easier to document, store, and share if social media had been around (it still hurts that I don’t have a single photo from my high school graduation).
Some people areglad they avoided social media while growing up. I understand why that is becausesocial media problems have gotten worse, especially in recent years. However, I can’t deny that it would have been a great addition to my childhood and teenage years.
