Modern social media has transformed how we connect, share, and consume information, but it’s not without its flaws. As someone who spends a fair amount of time on these platforms, there are several aspects I wish were different.

1Less Algorithmic Interference Over Feeds

Back in the day, social media feeds were largely free from algorithmic influence and displayed posts in simple chronological order. This made the experience feel much more authentic and natural. While I understand the intention behind personalizing feeds, I can’t help but feel that the algorithms often miss the mark.

Since modernsocial media algorithms are designed to prioritize attention-grabbing content, it often leads to repeated exposure to the same types of posts. I feel this repetition not only narrows our perspectives but also fosters echo chambers. I really wish social media had less algorithmic interference and more space for organic, varied content that challenges and broadens our perspectives.

2Fewer Ads

I get it—ads arehow these social media platforms make money. But I wish there were better ways to integrate them without sacrificing the user experience. Social media should be a space to unwind and connect with others, not a never-ending marketplace. A bit less promotion and a bit more genuine connection would make the experience feel more authentic and less overwhelming.

3Little to No Emphasis on Likes, Shares, and Followers

Likes, shares, and followers are good metrics for gauging engagement, but they’ve become far too central in defining success. This isn’t just an issue for regular users like you and me, but also for content creators.

In their pursuit of viral trends and algorithm-friendly posts, I see many of my favorite creators end up sacrificing authenticity and creativity for the sake of pleasing the algorithm. I don’t blame anyone for chasing likes—it’s how success is measured by social media platforms. However, I wish these platforms would shift their focus to encourage more genuine and creative content, rather than evaluating it solely based on likes and watch time.

4Greater Privacy and Less Data Harvesting

As the saying goes: “If you’re not paying for the product, you are the product.” Social media platforms often feel more like surveillance tools than spaces for connection, capturing everything from my personal information and online behavior to my interests, social connections, and device details.

What’s worse, this data is frequently used to train AI models without us knowing. While most platforms offer ways to opt out of certain data uses, these options are often buried or unclear. I believe transparency about how our data is used—and the ability to control it—shouldn’t be a privilege; it should be the baseline.

As much as I enjoy social media, I can’t help but feel uneasy about the hidden cost to my privacy.

5Strict Measures to Prevent Misinformation and Fake News

While scrolling through my feed, I often come across posts that spread misinformation and fake news. On top of that, with deepfakes and AI-generated content, it’s becoming increasingly difficult for everyone to distinguish between what’s real and what’s fake.

It’s frustrating to watch harmful conspiracy theories and misleading headlines gain millions of views while genuine information struggles to reach a wider audience. While fact-checking initiatives exist, they often feel inadequate or ineffective.

I wish platforms would implement stronger verification processes, impose penalties for repeat offenders, and develop more proactive systems to detect and flag false content before it goes viral. After all, modern social media should empower truth, not spread confusion.

6Emphasis on User Well-Being Over Endless Engagement

It’s no secret that social media platforms are designed to keep us hooked. I’ve often found myself mindlessly scrolling long after the enjoyment has faded, which is a clear sign that the system is doing exactly what it’s designed to do.

While I’ve takensteps to prevent social media from distracting me during my day, I often struggle to stop once I start using it. I wish platforms would focus more on user well-being—offering tools that genuinely encourage mindful use. Imagine if these social media platforms prioritized empowering us to log off when we’ve had enough, instead of subtly pulling us back in. How great would that be?

All in all, while modern social media has its perks, there are a few quirks that need a serious upgrade. Until that happens, I suppose I’ll have to keep navigating social media apps with patience, hoping for a future where these issues are addressed.