Sick of Socials: Political Discourse Destroying User Experiences’

At its best, social media is a place to connect—to swap stories, share discoveries, and build relationships. But lately, logging on feels more like entering a battlefield. A simple post about a new coffee shop spirals into a debate on gentrification. A vacation photo turns into a referendum on climate responsibility. Even something as innocent as a meal recommendation can spark arguments over capitalism, labor practices, or ethical consumption.

More and more, people are exhausted by it. They don’t necessarily want to disengage from the world, but they do want relief from the constant pressure to take a stance on everything. Many are gravitating toward digital spaces that strip away the noise and bring back what once made social media enjoyable: bonding over life’s simple pleasures.

This shift from casual sharing to relentless debate didn’t happen overnight. Social media platforms, powered by algorithms that thrive on controversy, have turned personal feeds into echo chambers of outrage. The more divisive a post, the more engagement it attracts. And while thoughtful discussions have their place online, not every interaction needs to be a battleground.

“There’s no escape anymore. I can’t go on Instagram or TikTok without political nonsense being shoved in my face,” says Gianna, 21, an avid social media user. “We should be able to post about our favorite spots and share with friends without every conversation turning into a debate on wage inequality.”

She’s not alone in feeling this way. Many people miss the days when social media was about discovery rather than discourse, when it was about sharing experiences rather than proving a point. While the internet has always had its share of arguments, the expectation to be politically aware at all times is driving users toward something different—spaces where they can simply exist without constantly defending their choices.

Few things connect people more than shared experiences. A beloved café, a hidden beach, a late-night taco truck—these are the things that bring us together, regardless of background or beliefs. The internet used to reflect that. Before timelines became ideological war zones, they were filled with inside jokes, travel tips, and casual recommendations. Now, in smaller, more curated spaces, that kind of sharing is making a quiet comeback. Whether through new apps like NowYouKnow, private group chats, or niche recommendation threads, people are rediscovering the joy of connecting over what they love rather than what they oppose.

These emerging spaces aren’t about ignoring real-world complexities, but rather about reclaiming the simple pleasure of human connection. A well-loved bakery, an underground speakeasy, a scenic hiking trail; these aren’t just locations; they’re pieces of culture and community, passed along the same way they used to be in person. Unlike traditional social media, where engagement thrives on controversy, these smaller communities encourage genuine conversations grounded in lived experience rather than performance.

Instead of posting for thousands of strangers, people are sharing for the sake of sharing and recommending their favorite spots not for ‘clout’, but because they genuinely want others to enjoy it too. In an online world where so much content feels curated for maximum impact, these spaces offer something rare: authenticity without an agenda.

In many ways, it’s a return to what the internet once promised—a place where people could come together through curiosity, joy, and discovery. And for many, that shift couldn’t come soon enough.