BEYOND THE FEED

Paige Kluba joined me on this week’s episode of Beyond the Feed to discuss social media use in today’s society. Kluba and I discussed the role identity plays when it comes to switching to and from platforms.

Current social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, or even X are used by all demographics, but the way people use each platform varies drastically.

“My Instagram is not as polished as my LinkedIn, but it gives more of a real-life version of who I am,” said Kluba. “My TikTok is where I might show the funny side of me.”

Kluba knows that her social media usage is geared differently depending on the platform she is posting on. Kluba even says that the content she would choose to repost varies depending on the platform she is using. Something more opinionated or humorous is more likely to be reposted for followers to see if she is using TikTok, whereas something inspirational or factual would more likely be shared on Instagram.

This, however, is not something she is trying to adhere to.

“People are becoming subconsciously strategic about what they post and where they post it,” said Kluba.

Social media platforms have developed their own connotations independent from what they were derived from. Obviously, platforms like LinkedIn are still used for their intended purpose, but Instagram, TikTok, X, and Facebook have all morphed into their own spheres for different content.

X is now a forum for quick, opinionated commentary. Facebook has become a platform that is more family-friendly or family-oriented. TikTok has taken on the role of providing comedic relief and a more lackadaisical place to post content, with Instagram taking on that hybrid yet polished role.

It is interesting to see what role each platform plays in different people’s lives, especially those who may not even be active on certain platforms. There is likely a platform that they are using to fill that void. Maybe they are using Instagram Reels more frequently in place of downloading TikTok. The identity society places in different platforms is constantly evolving.

What differences do you see in how you use different social media platforms?