I can already anticipate what you’re thinking: “not another social media platform!” I was in the same boat and had even made up my mind not to download Threads until it had been out for a while. However, my curiosity got the best of me, and I decided to give it a try by downloading the app on my iPhone. To my surprise, it turned out to be a great decision, and I’m glad I did.

I suppose you could say that although it’s another social media platform, it’s owned by Meta who also own Facebook and Instagram, so it feels more of an add-on to the existing platforms, rather than a whole new one. After all, it is connected to your Instagram page, so you’re not really having to start from scratch again.

Although Threads has only been out for a couple of days, it feels like it’s already having a hugely beneficial impact on people’s social media experience. 

OK, so let’s not string this out any longer. I’m sew excited to share my own first impressions of Threads with you, and to unravel my thoughts about it! (No need to fret, I’ll leave the Thread puns right where they are!) 😅

Threads is bringing simplicity to social media

Think 90’s chatroom, 00’s MSN Messenger and early Twitter, Bebo and MySpace vibes all rolled into one!

After spending my first day on the app, what really grabbed my attention was the simplicity of the platform. I think many of us can honestly say that we yearn for those early social media days from way back when. 

I feel that this is what Threads brings. It has a minimalist design that is easy to navigate, making it user-friendly and uncomplicated. One of the standout features for me is not being bombarded with advertisements, including unrelated recommended ads. The app is not overwhelming or noisy, and exudes a sense of calm, with a slow and soothing pace.

While it’s possible to share photos and videos on Threads, the platform is primarily text-based due to the absence of other visual elements. I feel that this is what the early social media platforms were originally all about. One way to view it could be as an online penpal platform: I quite like that.

It’s creating a more genuine and authentic connection

What I’ve witnessed so far and experienced myself, is that it’s creating a more genuine and authentic connection with others online. There’s no hashtags, no trending news, no heavy advertisements or promos; it’s just you and the people that you follow. 

I’ve already read comments where others have said that it is providing them with a more intentional human connection to others online, and more intentional reading, rather than just consuming content mindlessly and endlessly scrolling. I feel that as humans, we are craving that authentic connection to others. I’ve also been reading that people are finding it’s like one big group chat, which I totally agree with.

I feel like in just one day, I’m consuming people’s content more than ever before, but more intentionally and authentically. I feel that it allows for more focused and personal conversations.

It’s helping to build a sense of community

Again, I feel this ties in with the points above, but I love that there is a real sense of community over on Threads. I feel that this platform not only provides users with a means to connect with like-minded people but also fosters a community where individuals can effortlessly engage with each other, share their daily lives, their thoughts, plus offer support, and more.

I’m finding it much easier to engage with conversations and discussions on this app. This could be due to the simplicity of the platform. In addition, I believe that established online communities would benefit greatly from this approach as it can enhance their ability to connect with each other, and expand their community even further.

Threads is helping to establish a more personal connection with our followers

As I mentioned earlier, Threads is linked to your Instagram account. Once you download and sign in, you can follow anyone else who’s using the app and who you’re already following on Instagram. I’ve found so far that this feature provides a fantastic opportunity for your Instagram followers to get to know you better, and for you to do the same with those you follow. For me, it’s helping me to connect on a more personal level, and feeling like we’re getting to know each other all over again, but this time with a more personal connection.

It’s worth pointing out that at the moment, you can only have a Threads account if you have an Instagram account. You can change your bio and links, but you can’t change your handle. In that sense, despite everyone saying it’s a Twitter replacement, we’re not quite there yet. Not everyone uses Twitter and Instagram for the same things, but in many ways, Threads links closely with Instagram. You might not find your Twitter followers on Threads unless they already have an Instagram account.

It’s still early days, and I’m sure that as more people connect, the overall experience will develop. The notifications are a little glitchy, so it can be tricky to keep track of new followers. To begin with, a lot of the posts in your feed will be from people you don’t follow. 

Key points to take away

• Threads enables more focused and personal conversations
• It’s easier to keep track of and follow specific discussions 
• It helps to build a sense of community 
• It produces a more authentic and intentional way of engagement
• It’s reducing the clutter and noise that can be found on other social media platforms 
• I feel that it will help to increase more organic engagement and reach
• Threads is creating more meaningful and valuable conversations and interactions on social media
• We can establish a more personal connection with our followers from Instagram, resulting in a stronger bond
• It’s still early days, and at the moment, I wouldn’t go as far as to say Threads is Twitter’s replacement
• Threads links to your Instagram account and they are, in many ways, completely linked to one another

Social media is revolutionising the way we connect with each other. While social media platforms continue to evolve, Threads stands out as a unique platform that delivers what people have been yearning for – a deeper, more authentic connection with others. Time will tell how the platform develops and evolves, but at the moment, it shows much promise.

If you’d like to follow me on Threads, you can find me here.

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