I joined Facebook on June 13, 2008. I’ll admit I was a little reluctant in joining. Back then, Mark Zuckerberg was only 23 years old and had just become the world’s youngest self-made billionaire. It seemed like social media was about to change everything. and, in many ways, it did.
I’ve met remarkable people from around the world. I’ve reunited old friends, helped build communities that span continents, shared the wonder of ballooning with hundreds of thousands, learned from experts I’d never have met otherwise, and watched complete strangers become lifelong friends. For all of that, I’m genuinely grateful.
If I’m being honest, though, 2026 has also reminded me that social media is still a work in progress.
Notifications are inconsistent. Relevant posts often seem harder to find than ever. Friends tell me they never see updates from people they’ve intentionally chosen to follow. Administrators spend more time trying to understand algorithms than building communities.
At the same time, Meta has been restructuring, including reducing about 10% of its workforce this year as it shifts more resources toward AI and new technologies.
Technology keeps evolving. So do the challenges.
After more than four decades of building online communities, I’ve learned something important:
The technology matters… but the people matter more.
Algorithms will change. Platforms will rise and fall. Features will come and go. But genuine conversations, friendships, shared experiences, and communities built on trust are what have kept me logging in year after year.
So today, on World Social Media Day, I’m celebrating with both gratitude and a healthy dose of caution.
Here’s hoping the next generation of social media pundits remember that its greatest feature has never been artificial intelligence. It’s always been human connection.
Happy World Social Media Day, everyone.
What has social media given you that you’re most thankful for… and what do you wish it would do better?
