Ask HN: If social media didn't exist

I think there would be something like social media that would take its place. I remember when I was in college (pre-Facebook, MySpace) we had various chat programs that every student used. That and discussion boards like usenet where people became known. It's hard to imagine if there would be an Internet at all without social media of some sort.

(edited for readability)

I’ve taken hiatuses from social media and I’m generally happier since I fill my time with more meaningful content, like reading or studying something new, or watching a fun new show. I don’t post on social media anymore - the most I do is scroll through Instagram (which I can do without, easily) and being active on Messenger.

Without social media:

Pros: Focus on projects. Get on with work.

Cons: Not engaged in a human way with the web. I would be a complete nobody.