I Limit My Social Media to Just Reddit and Discord: Here’s Why

Thanks to the many social media platforms available today, it can feel like we’re supposed to be everywhere all at once—posting on Instagram, tweeting on X, connecting with all the friends who want us on Threads, and staying updated with TikTok trends. It’s overwhelming, exhausting, and, quite frankly, unnecessary for the most part.

After several social media detoxes, I realized I didn’t need to manage multiple accounts. In fact, I’ve streamlined my social media usage to just Reddit and Discord. Here’s how they keep me covered.

Reddit and Discord Expand My Social Connections

When it comes to meeting new people, especially those who share my interests, there couldn’t be a better platform than Reddit. All I have to do is search for a keyword using the search function on Reddit and there will be an appropriate community for it.

I was recently diagnosed with joint hypermobility, and I’d never heard of that in all my life. So I checked Reddit and joined the hypermobility community, where I’ve learned the best stretches and have had conversations about what it’s like being a bendy fellow.

I’m in several Reddit communities related to my health conditions, hobbies, and beliefs. These niche communities have connected me with people who not only share similar interests but can also offer support and insights that I wouldn’t have found elsewhere. Whether it’s discussing chronic pain or joining conversations around personal interests, Reddit provides a space for building connections with like-minded individuals.

I’ve also found numerous relevant Discord servers through Reddit. Discord is a more intimate space for deeper conversations. Of course, I can have private messages, group chats (like the Duolingo German Learners group chat I’m in), and even ask public questions on Reddit. Still, Discord offers more conversation options, like hosting voice chats and game streams.

So I can meet new fellows on Reddit and take the conversation to Discord if I so desire, or I can keep the relationship building on Reddit. Alternatively, I can find Discord servers worth joining or create one and open it up for others to join. Either way, I’m very covered on the social connection aspect with Reddit and Discord.

They Are Great for Sharing and Gathering Information

Staying informed is one reason many of us are glued to social media apps like X, Snapchat, and Instagram. You want to know who said what, when they said it, and any other information that can help you stay relevant in conversations.

Well, Reddit, with its community-driven content, serves as a great hub for gathering news about celebrities, new gadgets, wars, and whatever else strikes your fancy. If I turn on my notifications, I can easily keep up with the latest tech trends, updates from people around the world, and even discussions on fresh world news.

Discord complements this by offering real-time interactions. It’s like a messaging app with a social media component in the sense that it’s direct messaging but not necessarily with people I know or whose contact information I have.

If I’m looking for up-to-the-minute updates or niche advice, I can easily join a relevant server discussion or DM someone directly. It’s a fantastic way to gather information, whether from experts or simply fellow enthusiasts.

Reddit and Discord Keep Me Entertained

Before I learned how to avoid doomscrolling on social media, I could easily spend two hours watching reels, saving memes, exchanging bants in crazy Instagram comment sections, and reposting tweets. If I did a poll, I’m almost certain I’d find that this is the biggest reason many of us are stuck on these mainstream social media platforms.

However, Reddit and Discord are filled with ways to unwind. On Reddit, I can scroll through endless memes, watch funny videos, or participate in lighthearted discussions. Every day I launch the app, I’m not even sure what I’ll encounter because the entertainment is new each day. Plus, the upvote system, one of Reddit’s best features, helps ensure I see the best of what communities have to offer.

Discord is even more fun because I can banter with friends, listen to music with them, hop into a game room together, and so much more.

Weighing the Pros and Cons: Are You Really Missing Out?

Of course, limiting my social media to just Reddit and Discord isn’t without some drawbacks, but none of them are significant enough to make me want to return to that life. Sure, if I were an influencer, I might be missing out. Having a vibrant, active presence on Instagram, X, TikTok, or other similar platforms would be crucial for building an audience and staying relevant. However, for the average person, this isn’t really a big deal.

Even if you need to use apps like X or Facebook for work—whether it’s because you’re on MuckRack or need an account for advertising—you can still create these accounts for professional use without fully engaging in them for personal social media.

One of the biggest upsides to narrowing down your social media is the reduction in stress and the fear of missing out (FOMO). I no longer feel like I’m missing out on what everyone else is doing because I’ve curated my online experience to what matters most to me. I also avoid the social media burnout that comes from constantly scrolling through unending feeds and trying to keep up with everyone’s posts—even though I sometimes don’t care about things like that.

When my Instagram account was still active, I turned off my notifications and opened it every other day. I’d come back to meet tons of reels, which, of course, my friends sent in good faith. However, the cat videos, dry jokes, resentment reels, and some other things I didn’t really care about were more overwhelming than entertaining for me.

Another pro is that I get more meaningful interactions. With fewer platforms, I can focus more on engaging with communities I care about rather than spreading myself thin across multiple spaces. It’s less about putting yourself out there for everyone and more about connecting with those who share your interests.

However, there are some trade-offs. By sticking to Reddit and Discord, I miss out on features like reels, live streams, and broader opportunities to connect with even more people. My reach is more limited, and I’m not always in the loop with the latest viral content. But honestly, I don’t feel like I’m missing out. I’ve managed to have a simpler, more focused social media experience without losing the connections and information I value most.

Ultimately, this method works for me, but it might not work for you. Still, if you’re looking to reduce your social media overload, Reddit and Discord can be your go-tos, too.