Why I Only Use Reddit and Discord for Social Media

With so many social media platforms at our fingertips today, it often feels like we’re expected to juggle multiple accounts—posting on Instagram, tweeting on X, connecting with friends on Threads, and keeping up with TikTok trends. It’s dizzying, draining, and largely unnecessary for most people.

After several breaks from social media, I realized I didn’t need to keep up with multiple platforms. I’ve simplified my online presence to just Reddit and Discord, and here’s how they’ve got me covered.

How Reddit and Discord Enhance My Social Connections

When it comes to meeting new individuals, especially those who share my interests, there’s no better place than Reddit. A simple keyword search on the platform quickly leads me to relevant communities.

Recently, I learned that I have joint hypermobility—something I hadn’t even heard of before. I turned to Reddit, joined a hypermobility community, and found valuable stretches and discussions about the experience of being someone with flexible joints.

I’m part of several Reddit communities related to my health, hobbies, and beliefs. These targeted groups connect me with people who not only share similar interests but also provide support and insights I might not find elsewhere. Whether it’s discussing chronic pain or joining conversations about hobbies, Reddit creates a space for meaningful connections.

I’ve also discovered many Discord servers through Reddit. Discord is a more intimate platform, ideal for deeper discussions. While private messages and group chats are available on both platforms (like the Duolingo German Learners chat I’m part of), Discord offers unique options, such as voice chats and game streams.

So, I can meet new friends on Reddit and move the conversation to Discord when I want, or keep building relationships on Reddit. I can also search for enticing Discord servers to join or create my own and extend the invitation to others. Either way, I feel well-connected thanks to both platforms.

Ideal for Information Exchange and Discovery

Staying informed is a big reason many of us are glued to social media apps like X, Snapchat, and Instagram. We want to know who said what and when, plus any additional information that can help us stay in the loop.

Reddit is fantastic for gathering community-driven content and news on everything from celebrities and gadgets to global events. By enabling notifications, I can effortlessly keep track of what’s trending in technology, updates from around the world, and fresh discussions on current affairs.

Discord adds another layer with its real-time interactions. It’s like having a messaging app with social media elements, allowing me to communicate directly with people I may not know personally.

If I’m searching for quick updates or niche advice, I can jump into relevant server discussions or send a direct message to someone. It’s a productive way to gather information, whether from experts or fellow fans.

Reddit and Discord Provide Endless Entertainment

Before I learned how to avoid the rabbit hole of endless scrolling, I often found myself spending hours watching reels, saving memes, participating in Instagram debates, and reposting tweets. If I conducted a survey, I’m confident that many would agree this is why we’re drawn to mainstream social media.

However, Reddit and Discord offer countless ways to unwind. On Reddit, I can browse through an endless stream of memes, enjoy hilarious videos, or engage in lighthearted discussions. Each day, I launch the app unsure of what delight I’ll find, since the entertainment is continually refreshed. Plus, the upvoting system ensures I see the best content from communities.

Discord ups the fun factor by allowing me to interact with friends, listen to music together, game together, and much more.

Pros and Cons: Are You Really Missing Anything?

Limiting my social media to just Reddit and Discord comes with its downsides, but none significant enough to make me want to go back to how things were before. As an influencer, perhaps I’d be missing out. Having a vibrant presence on Instagram, X, TikTok, or similar platforms is essential for sharing an audience and staying relevant. However, for the average person, this doesn’t seem to matter much.

If you need to use apps like X or Facebook for professional purposes—whether for marketing or using tools like MuckRack—you can still set up accounts for work without getting caught up in personal social media interactions.

One major benefit of streamlining my social media usage is a noticeable drop in stress and fear of missing out (FOMO). I no longer feel I’m neglecting what everyone else is doing because I tailor my online experience around what truly matters to me. It also helps me avoid the fatigue that comes with endlessly scrolling and attempting to keep up with everyone’s posts, many of which don’t interest me.

When I used to keep my Instagram account active, I turned off notifications and checked it every few days. That meant I returned to an overwhelming heap of reels—many sent from friends with good intentions—filled with cat videos, average jokes, and mundane content that offered more stress than enjoyment.

Another perk is that I can engage in more meaningful interactions. With fewer platforms, I can focus on participating in communities that genuinely interest me instead of spreading myself too thin across too many spaces. It’s less about public visibility and more about fostering connections with like-minded individuals.

Still, there are trade-offs. By focusing on Reddit and Discord, I miss features like reels, live streams, and the opportunity to connect with a broader audience. My reach is more limited, and I often miss out on the latest viral trends. That said, I don’t truly feel deprived. I’ve achieved a simpler, more focused social media experience without sacrificing the connections and information that matter most to me.

Ultimately, this approach works for me, although it might not suit everyone. However, if you’re seeking to cut down on social media overload, Reddit and Discord could be your ideal alternatives too.