Reflecting on the Evolution of Social Media
“If you weren’t there, you missed the only easy era that will ever exist.”
The first part of the The Arena Has Changed series explores a brief window in social media history when content creation felt effortless. During this time, termed “organic reach,” visibility was based on simple structure rather than complex algorithms. Users enjoyed a straightforward posting experience, leading to high engagement without the need for strategic planning.
Key takeaways include:
- Early Platforms: Loosely structured and socially motivated, catering to user interactions.
- Supply vs. Demand: Limited content meant high visibility; presence alone created leverage.
- Shift to Optimization: As platforms grew, algorithms began filtering content, making visibility a reward.
This shift fundamentally changed user engagement, leading many to feel out of touch or unworthy. However, it wasn’t personal; it was a change in the system itself. Social media won’t revert to its more simplistic roots, as modern platforms require optimization for engagement and revenue.
What do you remember from the “easy era”? What changed in your experience? Share below.
Stay tuned for EP.2, where we’ll delve into how platforms learned to control attention.
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