Over the years, I have spent so much time on various social media platforms. Some of them I no longer use, but many others I still use on a daily basis. When it comes to taking up the most time – in a good way – I have to say Reddit, the social media for other internet non-users.
Whether Reddit can be considered a “social media” is often debated. Unlike Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter (X), where people want to connect with friends or build a follower base, Reddit is more about engaging with communities. For many, Reddit is like a giant forum, a place where you can jump into endless discussions on virtually any topic.
Still, I consider Reddit a social platform, just not in the traditional sense. Of course, Reddit doesn’t focus on personal profiles or social connections. But it’s still a great place for people to create and share content. The difference is that the platform prioritizes content quality and community engagement over individual visibility. This unique approach to fostering discussion makes Reddit a powerful social media tool.
What I like most about Reddit is the amazing number of communities, also called subreddits. Whatever you’re passionate about, there’s probably a subreddit for it. You can find subreddits on topics you never even thought existed. Many other social platforms have communities as well (e.g. Facebook groups). However, the diversity of communities on Reddit is unmatched.
Do you love technology? There are dozens of subreddits for that. Do you want to know the latest news? There’s a subreddit for news about specific industries. And what about sports? Of course – there are entire communities dedicated to every sport imaginable. Do you have niche hobbies that you can’t talk to anyone about? Don’t worry, Reddit has a place for that.
Some of the popular communities have millions of members, which means there is always something going on in the community to look forward to. These communities are usually well moderated and have certain rules and guidelines that users must follow to post and comment. This ensures that the subreddits are safe places for anyone to hang out.
It is my go-to place for discussions and answers
Unlike other social sites where posts can quickly get lost in the shuffle or receive only half-hearted responses, Reddit communities are highly engaged. If you post on Reddit, you’re likely to get thoughtful, well-considered responses from people. This level of engagement makes Reddit an effective platform for discussion. In fact, I often add the term “Reddit” when searching for something on Google so I can get responses to Reddit posts.
Reddit communities are mostly global, so no matter when you post something, you’ll get responses easier and faster compared to other platforms. The upvote and comment system ensures that high-quality replies rise to the top and stay at the top, making them more visible to others. This means you don’t have to scroll all the way to find the most valuable reply.
Reddit’s feed feels the most personal
One of the reasons I love using Reddit so much is because the experience feels so personal. When I mindlessly scroll through my Reddit feed, I’m not bombarded with content I don’t like. Instead, I’ve found that Reddit’s algorithm does a great job of recommending posts and communities based on the subreddits I’ve joined, the topics I frequently engage with, and the posts I’ve interacted with. That’s why I don’t feel like I’m wasting time even when I’m scrolling through Reddit for no particular reason.
You have extensive control over your Reddit feed, which you can set in your profile settings. You can opt out of certain types of content and ads, tweak feed settings, and even disable posts outside of the subreddits you’ve joined. If you see a post that’s not relevant to you, you have the option to see fewer posts of that type so Reddit doesn’t recommend posts on that topic or from that subreddit.
Reddit also allows you to create a custom feed. You can create a feed tailored to specific purposes. For example, if you want to create a custom feed that only contains posts from tech communities, you can manually add those communities to create the new feed.
Redditors are more authentic than users of other platforms
I have always appreciated the authenticity of Reddit users when using the platform. They tend to be more genuine in their interactions, offering honest opinions, real experiences, and thoughtful advice. Even when I debate a topic or disagree with someone, I don’t get insulted, but instead receive thoughtful arguments.
When I want to buy a new product, I definitely go to Reddit, search for the relevant communities, and then ask people who have already used the product. When I’m interested in something and want other people’s opinions, I go to Reddit. When I’m facing a problem, I look for Reddit posts from people who have faced the same problem. All because I know I’ll get legitimate answers and real experiences from them.
I’ve often come across Reddit posts that are like hidden gems because the Redditor has shared something so useful that you wouldn’t find it anywhere else on the internet. It could be a good tip, a guide, or a lifehack. The best part is that they do it out of love for the community. If you want to have a real conversation with people, Reddit might offer the best experience.
It is Anonymous-First
If anonymity is your top priority, there is no better social media than Reddit. Unlike other platforms that ask you to provide your real identity, Reddit doesn’t care who you are. You aren’t forced to reveal your real name, location, or face. This anonymity is a core part of Reddit culture and makes users feel safer. You don’t have to fear judgments based on your opinions that are tied to your real identity. It also means that discussions are unfiltered and honest.
Reddit also allows you to use the platform without creating an account or logging in (with some exceptions). This is something you will rarely find on other platforms, where you are either denied access to the content or, even if you can, are constantly asked to log in. Reddit offers the freedom to explore its communities without ever revealing your personal information, which is a refreshing change. In addition, there is an entire feature called “Anonymous Browsing.”
Whether you’re looking for real advice, real experiences from real people, or just want to kill some time, Reddit is a great place to do it. It might not be the best place to connect with others, but if major community engagement is all you care about, Reddit is hard to beat.
