Stop Using Social Media Apps. The Web Version Is Often Better

It's a miracle that I can scroll through my timelines whenever I want. The downside is that I do so a lot, even when I don't want to.

I want social media to be just a little bit worse so I don't spend so much time on it. I decided to use the web version of social networks on my phone. You can use your phone's browser to access every social network. With my limited time on this planet, using this instead of an app reminds me that I could be doing something better.

It continues to get better. The idea that you need to install an app in order to use a social network is a strong default. The web app is a better alternative to the dedicated app. This is why.

There was no access to the data.

There are a lot of social media apps. It makes sense that Facebook needs access to your photo library if you want to uploading photos. Does any social media application require your current location?

If you use the web version of social media apps you don't have to know which ones have permission to do what. If you don't install the Facebook app it's not possible for them to hear your conversations.

There were no notifications.

There are pros and cons to this. You should always receive notifications on your phone when there is something happening on your social network. It's great if you want to be constantly connected, but it's also a big part of what makes these social networks so addictive

The notifications are a big problem if you want to be more aware of your social media use. Notifications on social media sites can't be pushed to your device on the web. You can be aware of when to check social media. You might type "Instagram.com" on your browser from time to time, but it won't be because of a notification, it will be because you're making a choice.

Terrible features are added less often.

It's getting worse and worse. I get a bit of that after a cheap TikTok knock-off.

I can't fix this for you because social media networks are not meant to make you happy. The problem with the oldinstagram was that you would stop scrolling after you saw a new photo. There is a constant stream of content. I think it is likely that Meta will make their products worse and worse in an attempt to squeeze every last bit of potential attention and revenue out of you.

The worst features of a given social network seem to be delayed by using the web version. The stream of garbage was only recently added to the web version of the photo sharing website. Six months of peace is what you'll get if you use the web version of the photo sharing app. It also means that the web version will likely be spared, at least for a short time. It isn't much, but it is something.

You can add any website to your home screen.

It's nice to have to type the URL into my browser in order to open social networks You can add icons for the web version of any social network to your home screen if you don't want to do that.

The Share button can be found on the right side of the address bar on an iPad. You can add an icon to your home screen with a tap.

Go to the website in Chrome and tap the three-dot icon in the top right corner. In some instances, this will say install app instead. There is a reason for this and you don't have to worry about it. The icon will appear on the home screen of your phone.

It's difficult to use social media with intent. I don't think using the web app will solve my checking problem, that's going to take work on my part I have a tool that I use.

I will need to enter my password the next time I want to scroll because I can make it more effective by logging out. I want to be able to break my habits, which is something I want for myself. Give it a try if you want it.