Since 2021, I’ve been less active on social media, and I’ve often reflected on why. The internet doesn’t feel as fun or inspiring as it once did. It seems to have shifted from a space for creativity and connection to one dominated by monetized “content” and constant online drama.
I’ve spent many years exploring the online world, starting in middle school when Hi5.com was the most popular platform in Thailand. I loved how I could customize my profile with HTML, design banners, and even change the mouse cursor. It was such a fun and creative time for me.
As I moved to high school, I joined Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. I connected with fans of Glee and Miley Cyrus from around the world. Those were simpler, happier times. I even created a blog on Blogger.com dedicated to updates about Glee and Miley Cyrus. I designed fan art, posters, and DVD packages to share online, and it was incredibly fulfilling.
By 2016, I had gained enough experience and skills to create my own website, hosted on my own server. This allowed me to own and manage every piece of media I posted and shared in a professional way. That website is still online today, and it has been a significant part of my journey in the online world.
But in recent years, especially during 2023-2024, I’ve noticed how internet drama has become a regular part of the news. What surprises me most is seeing people older than me engaging in these dramas. I often ask myself, Why are they acting like this? Why is this a big deal? Why lie or act this way?
Looking back, I’m thankful that I’ve grown out of this behavior. In high school, I was involved in some small online dramas, but I’ve moved past that. Now, I value stepping back and spending less time online.
The internet can still be a great place for connection and creativity, but it’s sad when people use it to push opinions or demand others to change their views. My advice? Take some time to unplug. Even a short break can give you fresh ideas and a new perspective on the world around you.
This is just my personal opinion as someone living in Thailand and observing these trends. I respect how others choose to use the online world, but I believe spending less time online can help you see things differently and find new inspiration.
Give unplugging a try—you might be surprised by what you discover offline.