The Verge’s favourite social networks

Despite the rise of social media, people have never felt more isolated from one another. Two years ago, Elon Musk’s efforts to revamp Twitter led to widespread upheaval, prompting many users to abandon the platform in favor of alternatives such as Threads, Bluesky, Mastodon, Facebook, and Instagram.

Have we noticed a decline in employee interest in their social media breaks, and if so, where are they turning instead? Below are a few of their solutions.

As a digital professional, I toggle between various microblogging platforms, driven by both professional obligations and the elusive quest for one unified hub that Twitter once embodied – a singular platform where all my online activities coalesce.

While currently lacking luster, I’d like to utilize this tool to track developments surrounding Elon Musk and related companies that share updates on the platform initially. Should Nintendo consider a platform shift? The threads are filled with users who’ve made the move from X, but I’m not a fan of how heavily the “For You” feed is pushed. Is my go-to microblogging platform, but unfortunately, not many of the people I’m interested in posting regularly on it.

It would depend on what you’re looking for in a partner, but if I had to choose just one, it’s probably Bluesky. I’ll continue to experiment with various platforms, recognizing that none will replicate Twitter’s former omnipresence and versatility, and thus, for the foreseeable future, I’ll maintain a diverse social media presence.

With no contest whatsoever, the standout feature of the Washington Trails Association app is its Journey Studies component, offering a truly exceptional social community experience. I’m not kidding. The website is excellent at providing opportunities to find trails across the state, with almost always up-to-date reports on recent hikes, allowing you to easily plan your next adventure. You gain insight into crucial information such as the state of the bogs’ cleanliness and the potential health risks posed by the mosquitoes along the trail. Information I can use! Subscribers can even upload photographs along with their assignments, allowing you to appreciate visual representations of breathtaking mountain scenery and adorable animals. It’s impossible for anyone to dictate what others should do, and one must literally venture outside and connect with nature before making any claims. What drives collective engagement in online spaces: A Framework for Social Communities. No.

As a professional editor, I would improve the text in the following way:

I’m overwhelmed by being on too many social networks because I still haven’t found one that I truly love. I’m nonetheless on . I’m torn between two networks – my personal connections are here, but professional relationships are on Bluesky, so I’ve developed a habit of using this platform to stay in touch with loved ones. While I’d rather avoid the black hole, I’ve got too much at stake in my professional life to waste time on viral cat videos or impassioned activist clips.

I truly miss what Twitter once stood for; as a dedicated user, I was once an ardent tweeter. Despite my familiarity with technology, I still missed what came after and, before that, what America Online was. So right here we’re.

Having never used Instagram, Threads were a non-starter for me; however, I’ve had better luck with Bluesky, where all my public social interaction takes place. While I do find it somewhat exhausting to maintain strongly held beliefs – especially regarding something as trivial as an online game – I prefer to confine most of my social media activity to a select few, highly personalized spaces where such openness isn’t necessary. The servers are small, tight-knit groups with a maximum of 100 members, while the smallest contains just five individuals.

Did I long for the carefree days when social media was a wild west of self-expression and unbridled creativity? A lot. I’d rather engage in civil discussions about nerd media on Discord, free from the threat of harassment.

I’m with Barbara – I normally utilize Facebook. After a lengthy hiatus from social media, I’ve found it to be a valuable tool in my new state. By joining local teams, I stay informed about happenings around the city and forge connections with like-minded individuals. Two Facebook pages have become my trusted sources for local climate updates, guiding me through the challenges of this year’s unpredictable hurricane season.

While I still rely on X for timely alerts about unfolding news, I’m actively integrating Threads and Bluesky into my daily habits as well.

For many years, Twitter held a special place in my online life as my primary social network; after a brief experiment with Mastodon, I’ve since found myself drawn to the community on Bluesky. While we’ve gained traction with multiple microblogging platforms, I’m particularly pleased to see users thriving on Mastodon. However, some of my former Twitter favorites have opted for Bluesky instead, which offers a sense of relief from the pressure that Mastodon sometimes brings.

While seeking to instill an exceptional aura around the entity that remains somewhat enigmatic, boasting a peculiarly unique foundation that harmoniously converges coherence and independence from fleeting fame and financial gain. The platform’s functionality has converged to form a cohesive system for fostering collaborative cultural creation, while also embracing whimsical and absurd storytelling elements. You’re not going to get stuff like that anywhere else. 

I miss Twitter? Despite reservations, I continue to utilize X, though it’s gradually becoming more practical; however, I’ve yet to find a suitable alternative. While threads may fall short in terms of substance, the notion that they’re “worthy” is equally unimpressive. Mastodon’s utility lies in its predictability, but it’s hardly an exciting prospect. Meanwhile, finding one’s tribe on Bluesky remains a challenge, leaving me uninspired by the entire experience. I derive great satisfaction from an exceptional Discord experience, where many of my like-minded community members have relocated and will likely become the primary platform for my professional online interactions.

When I am being genuine, I believe I have gained something valuable from my interactions on social media from a personal perspective. As a digital enthusiast for nearly two decades, my affinity for social media began around the time of Facebook’s inception, driven by the need to stay connected with loved ones following an international relocation. As the value of my professional endeavors decreases and online communities gradually lose their organic essence, it’s time to redirect my energies. While I’ve grown accustomed to relying on private chat platforms like iMessage and WhatsApp group discussions for my social connections, this arrangement suits me just fine.

After Twitter’s demise, I took a near-total hiatus from social media – but there was one reason, and one reason alone, that prompted my return.

I’d like to share something unique with you – Facebook’s Meta/Instagram Threads allows me to build a continuous flow of engaging multimedia stories effortlessly, as I can easily embed various content within it. Native to browsers, these games are instantly accessible without the need for login credentials. If Meta were to modify these issues or overwhelm Threads with ads, I would probably have to find a new platform to call home. 

I’ve also experimented with Mastodon, federating my old Twitter account to expand my online presence, albeit temporarily. My other social media accounts remain dormant, including X, where I’ve preserved direct messaging capabilities, though it’s been months since receiving any communication. Maybe it’s time.