Fun Fact! This is the most frequently asked question we receive at Writing Off Social:

“Is [name of online platform] social media?”

Before you can take a break from social media, leave social media, or connect with your audience outside of social media, you must define what you mean by “social media.” And the task is trickier than you might think. As social media platforms continuously evolve and new ones emerge, the distinction between “social media” and “not social media” becomes increasingly blurred. Today, we’ll attempt to bring clarity to this murky issue.

In this post, we will

Offer our working definition of social media
Categorize the most popular online platforms in 2025
Leave you with a four-question framework to assess the use of platforms for yourself, both personally and professionally.

Our Working Definition

“Social media” is any online platform that is both algorithm-driven and social.

This means that social media platforms use algorithms to decide which posts appear in your feed, prioritizing (and hiding) content based on your interactions and preferences. It also means that social media platforms have a social component–or the ability to like, comment, and share posts. Finally, (and yes, we realize this next statement is a gross oversimplification) the combination of those two factors (algorithm-driven + social) means social media platforms are also highly addictive. (More on this in a bit–we have feelings about it.)

Categorizing the Most Popular Platforms in 2025

Obvious Social Media Platforms (You Know These)

These platforms hit all the marks–they’re algorithm-driven, social, and addictive. They also collect your data and share it with advertisers (and maybe China–looking at YOU, Meta andTik Tok!) Unfortunately, they are also the major players in the writing and creative industries:

Facebook
Instagram
X (note: we’re officially done saying “X, formerly Twitter” Anyone else?)
TikTok
Snapchat (especially popular among younger users)

Gray Areas & Functional Platforms

Other platforms blur the line. They might have algorithms and social components, but they are more functional and are often used as search engines. Nonetheless, they are still highly addictive:

YouTube
Pinterest

Some platforms feel social but don’t operate in the same way as a legit “social media” platform:

Substack includes comments, notes, chat, video, and more—but there’s no algorithm hiding your content because it operates under a completely different (and non-sleezy) business model.
Reddit has an algorithm, but it’s driven by upvotes/downvotes, not engagement metrics such as likes and shares
Newsfeeds function like social media (algorithmic + social), but unless you’re a journalist, you’re not sharing your work or finding your reader there.

Some platforms are used mainly for professional connections or communication. These aren’t “social media” in the traditional sense, but they can still consume your time and keep you tethered to a screen:

LinkedIn: Very algorithm-driven and increasingly social.
Slack + Voxer: Not algorithmic, but can be extremely distracting depending on how you use them.

What About Podcasts?

We maintain that podcasts are not social media because they do not meet the definition in any way. Spotify recently introduced comments, which is a step in a social direction. Still, there’s no algorithm determining who sees your episodes—if someone subscribes to your show, they see all episodes in their feed. And the largest podcast platform (Apple Podcasts) does not have a social component.

So… Should I Use This Platform?

We are living in the digital age where technology is changing at a breakneck pace. As you read this, tech gurus are at their workstations, dreaming up new platforms to birth into the world while, simultaneously, other platforms are dying out. This means, for the rest of your days as a writer, you’ll be asking, “Is this social media?”

So, as you discern where to engage professionally and personally both now and in the future, we suggest you ask yourself these questions:

Question 1: What is their business model?

This might be the most important question.

Our main issue with platforms like Facebook, Instagram, X, and increasingly YouTube and Pinterest isn’t just that they let people like or share things. It’s that their business model depends on selling your data and attention to advertisers.

These platforms are free for users, so the real product is you. They track every click, every like, and keep you on the platform as long as possible to sell targeted ads. It’s addictive by design—and that’s a huge red flag.

A good rule of thumb:

If the platform is free, you are the product. (Hat tip to Thomas Umstaddt Jr. for this.)

Let’s take Substack as a contrast. It’s also free to use, but they make money when you get paid. They take a cut of your subscription revenue—not your attention. They don’t collect or sell your data. So, for now, we feel good about recommending it. (We told you we had feelings!)

Question 2: Do they place an algorithm between me and my reader?

This is the second big problem with social media. On platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and X, there’s an algorithm between you and your audience. Even if someone follows you, they may never see your content. Unless, of course, you perform for the algorithm.

That’s how we all ended up dancing and pointing in Reels.

For example, Sandy had 3,000+ followers on her Facebook author page, and by the time she left in 2021, only about 20 people saw each post. In contrast, when someone signs up for your email list or follows your Substack or podcast, they see everything you post.

Question 3: Is my reader there? If so, is she using the platform to search for the kind of content I create?

With 5 billion people currently on social media, there’s a good chance your reader is there. So, if your reader is active on Pinterest and you’re sharing recipes or home decor, it could be a great fit. But if she’s only there for fashion tips and you write about grief recovery, Pinterest might not be the place to find her.

Question 4: Do I find this platform distracting, time-sucking, or life-sucking?

You’ll hear us say this a lot around here, and we mean it: If your mental health is suffering because of social media, that is reason enough to walk away. For example, you may know that YouTube could be valuable to reach your audience, but if the idea of creating video content is life-draining to you, it should be a hard no. The same goes for any platform that leaves you feeling anxious, depressed, or simply stuck in a scroll spiral.

In short, if the platform is not helping you reach your audience, grow your work, and support your mental health, it’s time to let it go.

In Summary

Before joining or staying on a platform, ask

What’s the business model?
Is there an algorithm between my reader and me?
Is my reader here, and is she looking for what I offer?
Does this support or drain my time and creative energy?

As a writer, it’s essential to approach social media with a discerning eye. By understanding the business models, algorithms, and potential impact on your mental health and creative energy, you can make informed decisions about which platforms to use (and which to avoid). Remember, your time and energy are precious resources. Invest them wisely in platforms that align with your goals, respect your readers, and nurture your well-being.

This post was adapted from Writing Off Social: The Podcast, Episode 59. You can listen in, here!