I’n not a big fan of AI, when it comes to treating it as a person or having a human like relationship with it, but I have been doing a lot of research with AI, regarding topics that interest me and that makes me go hmmm! I also like it, because instead of receiving thousands of pages when I do a search, AI summarizes things for me, which is great, with the little alone time that I get SOMETIMES!, but I am aware that I can’t really fully on it, because… IT IS AI!
So I was doing a small research as to why so many people who use social media platforms, are not interested in reading or viewing what real people post about real life, they just enjoy all the bullshit and nonsense that so called “influencers” throw at them.
So this is what I got from AI, when I as the question, which helped me get a lot of information and understanding, in a short read.
In 2026, social media users are moving away from passive scrolling and toward intentional discovery and vulnerability. While entertainment remains a core draw, the focus has shifted from “perfection” to “real-world” substance.
What People Are Most Interested In
- Authentic Storytelling: Users are increasingly drawn to “raw, unedited yap videos,” behind-the-scenes content, and real-life wins and struggles rather than polished, “perfect” feeds.
- Educational Substance: Social platforms like TikTok and Instagram are being used as search engines for tutorials, product comparisons, and “how-to” advice, with TikTok and YouTube search now often bypassing traditional search engines for Gen Z.
- Niche Communities: There is a surge in interest for smaller, private spaces like Discord servers, WhatsApp Channels, and Instagram Broadcast Channels where interaction feels more intimate and exclusive.
- Meaningful Value: Content that teaches, inspires, or supports mental well-being (e.g., “cozy” vibes and burnout recovery) is performing better than “addictive” filler.
Why “Real People” Often Get Ignored
It is not necessarily that people aren’t interested in real connections, but rather that several digital barriers make these interactions difficult to sustain:
- Algorithm Interference: Modern social media has transitioned to “interest media,” where algorithms feed users what they want to see rather than content from people they actually follow. This means posts about personal “life and causes” often don’t reach a broad audience unless they hit specific viral interest markers.
- Digital Fatigue: Many users manage conversations across multiple platforms daily, leading to digital burnout. They often seek “emotionally lighter” or “positive and welcoming” interactions as a coping mechanism, sometimes avoiding heavy or demanding topics like complex personal causes.
- Parasocial Replacements: People often invest in “faux-relationships” with influencers or AI virtual agents, which provide a sense of connection without the mutual care and investment required in real-world relationships.
- Search for Convenience: Digital interactions are often chosen because they are simpler and require less emotional energy than physical meetings. Real-world gatherings are increasingly scrutinized to see if they justify the time, travel, and effort over a digital alternative.
