Tuesday, July 30, 2024

## **Disconnected Platforms: A YouTube Experience and the Reality of Social Media Preferences** Thoughts from #EnthusiasticTechie

 In today's ever-connected digital landscape, the way we interact and engage with content creators often hinges on the platforms they frequent. This truth struck home for me during a recent livestream of a newcomer on YouTube. As the stream unfolded, the creator casually mentioned to the chat audience that he doesn't do much tweeting. The response from the chat was surprising: many participants echoed his sentiment, sharing that they, too, rarely use Twitter. This collective disinterest in Twitter was unexpected for someone like me, who loves and regularly uses the platform.

### The Social Media Divide

Twitter, for me, has always been a bustling hub of real-time news, witty commentary, and community engagement. It's where I get updates, share my thoughts, and connect with like-minded individuals. Hearing others express a lack of interest or engagement with Twitter felt a bit disheartening. It highlighted a reality that I often overlook: not everyone shares the same enthusiasm for every platform.

This experience made me realize how personal social media preferences are. What one person finds invaluable and engaging, another might find tedious or irrelevant. It also brought to light the diversity in how audiences consume content and engage with creators. Some prefer the visual storytelling of Instagram, while others might lean towards the brevity and immediacy of Twitter or the community-driven discussions on Reddit.

### Navigating Creator Engagement

The YouTube newcomer's admission and the chat's reaction prompted me to reconsider my engagement with him. While I enjoy his content on YouTube, the realization that he doesn't use Twitter frequently means our potential interactions would be limited. Social media presence and activity often play a significant role in how audiences choose to connect with creators. For some fans, following a creator across multiple platforms is a way to get more content, insights, and personal interactions. For others, it may not matter as much, especially if they are content with the creator's primary platform.

For me, Twitter is not just a platform; it's a significant part of my online experience. It's where I engage in conversations, share ideas, and stay informed. Knowing that a creator I enjoy doesn't share that space feels like a missed opportunity for a deeper connection. This realization made me a bit sad or flustered, as it reminded me that despite the interconnectedness of social media, there are still divides in how we use and value these tools.

### The Decision: Subscribing vs. Following

After reflecting on this experience, I decided to continue subscribing to the newcomer's YouTube channel, as I enjoy his content and find value in his videos. However, I chose not to follow him on other platforms, particularly Twitter, since he doesn't use them much. This decision wasn't born out of frustration but rather a recognition of how I prefer to engage with creators and the content I consume.

This situation underscores the importance of understanding and respecting our own social media preferences and those of others. It's okay to have different habits and priorities online. While it might feel like a loss not to have that additional connection with a creator, it's also a chance to appreciate the diversity in how we all navigate the digital world.

### Conclusion

In the end, this experience with the YouTube newcomer was a gentle reminder of the varied landscape of social media and how personal our platform choices can be. It's a reminder that while we might miss out on certain interactions, we can still enjoy and support creators in ways that align with our own digital habits. As we continue to explore the ever-evolving world of social media, it's important to find a balance that works for us and to respect the diverse ways others engage online.

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## **Disconnected Platforms: A YouTube Experience and the Reality of Social Media Preferences** Thoughts from #EnthusiasticTechie

 In today's ever-connected digital landscape, the way we interact and engage with content creators often hinges on the platforms they fr...