Put a Pin in Social Media — Try Pinterest

Social media has progressed Big Tech and Silicon Valley’s experimental love-child and has taken the world by storm — perhaps causing one as well. 

Many platforms got their start in the early 2000s as pioneers of online forums, such as MySpace and YouTube, during the so-called social media “big bang.” Its development proved detrimental through consistent exposure to offensive or harmful material and rendering its users susceptible to scams and online bullying.

But one platform is different from these early networks and the beloved platforms of today’s online community — Instagram, Facebook or X, formerly Twitter — as it makes reality accessible by promoting activities users can enjoy for themselves.

Pinterest’s creator, Ben Silbermann, wanted to establish an “anti-social media” social media platform, and in 2010 he did just that.

The platform emphasizes content itself, rather than followers and likes, differing from other popular social network structures. Pinterest focuses on “pinning” — or saving — experiences the user can construct themselves, shifting the platform’s primary focus from sharing to living. 

Posting experiences on Instagram or Facebook incentivizes users to live simply for the post, and the likes and followers that come with it. Pinning experiences and ideas, however, incentivizes people to try something for themselves.

Pinterest’s search bar is similar to Google’s, urging users to search for images rather than personal accounts. Those who post are also deemed “creators,” who build their networks from artistic endeavors rather than social status. 

Silbermann’s online community pioneered more than intentional post interactions and platform engagement — it redefined online privacy. 

Facebook’s business model reveals the complexities of generating revenue while maintaining a free experience for its one billion users, as it relies solely on advertising revenue.

But after receiving backlash for data privacy breaches and political ads that targeted users within specific demographics in 2016, users became hyper aware of schemes to prey upon their private information. 

Pinterest has also dismissed political propaganda and explicit content gradually since 2018. Continuing this practice, Pinterest recently informed its users in 2022 the platform would ban the use of climate misinformation in ads. 

Silbermann’s commitment to ensuring Pinterest users not only have positive experiences, but also guaranteed privacy on the platform makes it unlike any other social network — one dedicated to embracing the beneficial aspects of the internet.

Pinterest’s fixation on voguish pictures doesn’t limit the accessibility of the platform, either. 

Candice Morgan, Pinterest’s head of inclusion and diversity, innovated the concept of refined searches, which has increased accessibility for users. Depending on the search, users can select a skin tone range, body type and hair texture to filter and personalize their search results.

These specific innovations connect the user to their profile, allowing them to curate a feed that mirrors themself — something many platforms don’t offer. 

Pinterest’s consistent strive to tailor the platform to fit every user comfortably and increase the use of social media without negative repercussions reinforces its superiority to substandard platforms. 

Its dedication to the wellbeing of its users, the inclusiveness of its site and the content itself crowns Pinterest the best “anti-social media” social media platform.