Social media platforms have become irreplaceable in the routines of billions worldwide, yet a growing number of users feel stifled by the intentional design choices that limit their autonomy and freedom. While these platforms are crafted to drive engagement, their methods often intrude upon user experience.
The real reason social media feels like a maze
Social media giants have designed interactions to be more complex, requiring users to click to access full posts or hiding content behind actions like “See more…” links. These elements, while ostensibly aimed at extending time spent on the platform, create unnecessary friction.
Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter commonly use “See more…” links, even hiding just a few characters or words behind additional clicks. Twitter, for instance, limits posts to 280 characters but still requires clicks to view the full post. Research from the UX Research Institute in 2023 reveals that such “unnecessary clicks” can disrupt cognitive flow, reducing satisfaction by as much as 20%.
While intended to increase user retention, this practice often has the opposite effect, irritating users who prefer uninterrupted access to content.
Similarly, social media limits visibility in comment sections, only showing “Top Comments” or “Relevant Comments” by default, leaving users to navigate multiple clicks to view all responses on friends’ posts.
A UX Research Institute study found that 73% of users wanted the option to automatically display all comments, highlighting a significant preference for transparency and control. Frustrations show a growing disconnect between user needs and platform design, as many users feel that engagement is increasingly controlled by the platform rather than themselves.
When social media shows you everything except what you want
Social media platforms now fill feeds with suggested posts, autoplay videos, and advertisements that users have not requested. Designed to keep users on the platform, this approach often results in a cluttered and disjointed experience.
Suggested posts from accounts users do not follow regular users’ intended experiences, and although some users discover interesting accounts through suggestions, most prefer a focused feed.
A 2022 Digital Media Engagement survey found that 64% of users would like an option to disable suggested posts, as it detracts from viewing the content of those they follow.
Autoplaying videos also contribute to the sense of lost control. Many platforms autoplay videos and leave them playing in a mini-viewer as users scroll away, despite widespread dissatisfaction with this feature.
A 2024 Global Web Index report shows that 59% of users wish for more control over autoplay settings. Without options to disable or customize these video features, users often feel as though platforms are making decisions on their behalf. A persistent disruption of user flow can even cause users to abandon content, a consequence that goes against platforms’ engagement goals.
Who decides what you see on social media?
Social media algorithms control which posts appear in feeds, frequently showing users content based on calculated relevance rather than a straightforward, chronological display. Algorithmic control often leads to users missing updates from friends and family.
Many find that posts from specific friends seem to disappear from their feeds unless they visit the friends’ profiles directly. A Pew Research Center report from 2023 indicates that 68% of users want more transparency around why certain posts appear or disappear, revealing a strong disconnect between users’ trust and the choices imposed by algorithms.
Users widely prefer chronological feeds for their authentic, real-time connection. For instance, breaking news or time-sensitive updates lose relevance when they are delayed by algorithmic filtering. A report from the Digital Engagement Lab reveals that 71% of users aged 18-45 want chronological order in their feeds, pointing to a desire for an experience that aligns more closely with real-time connections.
How web pages keep us at their mercy
Many embedded web design elements prevent browsers from intervening in user experience, as features like autoplay and content truncation are built directly into page code. While browsers block some pop-ups, they have little influence over these embedded elements, leaving users at the mercy of web design choices.
The 2024 Internet User Experience report highlights that 67% of users would appreciate more browser-based control over page features, especially those that impact their direct access to content.
Ads we can live with and features we can’t
Although social media ads are often accepted as part of the platform experience, restrictive UX features create friction that detracts from the user experience. Interest-based ads, for example, are frequently viewed as useful, as they align with users’ preferences and browsing history.
In fact, many users tolerate these ads when they are fixed, clearly labeled, and well integrated into the feed. A 2023 survey by the Consumer Insights Council reveals that 57% of users find well-placed ads acceptable and even useful compared to UX choices like forced “See more…” links, which disrupt browsing.
Such tolerance for ads shows that while users may accept advertising, they are less receptive to restrictive UX features that interfere with their interactions. Features like content truncation with “See more…” links can feel intrusive, interrupting the reading flow.
A study from UX Insights found that 35% of users rated targeted ads as less bothersome than frequent content interruptions, emphasizing that, while advertising is tolerated, limiting access to content is a more considerable frustration.
Why social media needs to give us the steering wheel
Users consistently voice a desire for more control over their engagement experience, from the ability to control comment visibility to video playback options. Preferences for a fully visible comment section, customizable autoplay settings, and the ability to disable suggested posts reflect a strong preference for personalized engagement.
A Social Trends Analysis report found that 72% of users want customizable options to shape their experience, showing a desire for platforms that respect user preferences and autonomy.
The push for more user autonomy in feed visibility, content order, and interaction options suggests that users value a genuine experience that aligns with their preferences. When granting more control to users, social media platforms can create a more tailored experience and build a trust-based relationship where users feel empowered rather than restricted.
