Social media platforms are great for quick updates, sharing images, and connecting with people—but they fall short in one key way: you’re not actually building anything.
When you post on social media, your content becomes part of an endless, chaotic river of information. Sure, your friends and family might see it for a moment, but after that? It’s gone, swept away by the algorithm.
Here’s why having your own website is a better alternative:
- Ownership of Your Memories:
On social media, you’re essentially handing over your data—your photos, your thoughts, your entire digital footprint—to a company that profits from it. Your memories are stored in their systems, and you’re left hoping they don’t disappear one day due to policy changes, shutdowns, or account issues. - Control Over Presentation:
Social media forces you into their templates and formats. Your content is displayed the way they want it to be, often surrounded by ads or distractions. A personal website allows you to present your life, thoughts, and projects exactly how you want. - A Sense of Creation, Not Consumption:
Social media is reactive—endless scrolling and fleeting interactions. But a personal website is proactive. It’s a space where you can create something meaningful: a digital scrapbook, a portfolio, or even a living journal. It’s not just about throwing content into the void but building something lasting. - Privacy and Security:
Your data isn’t being mined or sold to advertisers. On your own site, you control what’s shared and with whom. - A True Legacy:
Your website can be a digital heirloom—something that lasts for years and can evolve with you. Unlike social media posts that are hard to find or organize later, your site remains a centralized, curated space for your life. - Exporting Is a Nightmare:
On social media, even if you’re able to export your data, it’s often in a clunky, unusable format. What do you even do with a zip file full of JSON and disorganized images? With your own site, your data is already in a meaningful structure, ready to preserve or pass on. - Cost Is Manageable:
Hosting your own site isn’t as expensive as people think—usually the cost of a streaming subscription. And while there’s a bit of a learning curve, it’s not out of reach for most people. With a little drive (and maybe help from a web-savvy friend), you could set up a site in a weekend. - Freedom From Algorithms:
On your own site, there’s no algorithm deciding who sees your content or how. The people who care about you can visit and see everything you’ve shared, without ads or distractions. - Always Relevant, Always Yours:
Social media is like shouting into the wind—your posts might matter for a day or two. But on your website, your content remains accessible, organized, and relevant to you.
In short, social media makes us feel like we’re sharing our lives, but we’re really just giving our memories, data, and creativity away for nothing. A personal website is an investment in yourself—a way to take control of your digital presence and create something that truly lasts.
