Ask HN: If social media didn't exist

I think there would be something like social media that would take its place. I remember when I was in college (pre-Facebook, MySpace) we had various chat programs that every student used. That and discussion boards like usenet where people became known. It&#x27;s hard to imagine if there would be an Internet at all without social media of some sort.<p>(edited for readability)

I’ve taken hiatuses from social media and I’m generally happier since I fill my time with more meaningful content, like reading or studying something new, or watching a fun new show. I don’t post on social media anymore - the most I do is scroll through Instagram (which I can do without, easily) and being active on Messenger.

Without social media:<p>Pros: Focus on projects. Get on with work.<p>Cons: Not engaged in a human way with the web. I would be a complete nobody.