How growing up without social media made you see the world differently (2025)

Growing up without social media means your world view isn’t shaped by likes, shares, or viral trends.

Instead, it’s shaped by direct experiences, personal interactions, and self-reflection.

I am part of the generation that grew up without social media. And trust me, it made me see the world in a completely different light.

In this article, I will share how growing up without social media has influenced my perspective on life and the world around me.

Let’s get started.

1) Direct experiences

There’s nothing quite like having a direct, unfiltered experience of the world.

Growing up without social media, we had to rely on our own experiences rather than the curated versions we see on Instagram or Facebook.

This meant that our perceptions were shaped by authentic, raw interactions with people and places. We learned to form our own opinions, rather than being heavily influenced by popular opinion or viral trends.

Consider this. The joy of reading a book wasn’t about how many likes or shares a quote from it got online. It was about the personal connection we made with the story and its characters.

In essence, growing up without social media taught us to value direct experiences more than online validation. A lesson that continues to shape how we perceive and interact with the world today.

And trust me, it’s a perspective that’s refreshingly different in today’s digital age.

2) Personal interactions

I vividly remember the days of my childhood when friends meant the kids in the neighborhood, schoolmates, and cousins. We spent countless hours playing outdoors, inventing games, and simply chatting.

Without social media, our friendships were not about how many followers we had or how many likes our posts received. Instead, they were built on genuine conversations, shared experiences, and mutual respect.

For instance, I remember once when I was about 10 years old. I had a disagreement with my best friend. There were no online sub-tweets or passive-aggressive statuses involved. We had a face-to-face conversation where we expressed our feelings openly and honestly. It was uncomfortable, yes, but it was real.

Growing up without social media taught me the value of personal interactions. It helped me understand that empathy, understanding, and patience are the cornerstones of any relationship. And this perspective continues to shape my relationships today.

3) Privacy and personal space

In a world without social media, maintaining privacy was far less complex. We didn’t have to worry about what information we were sharing online or who had access to it.

Before the advent of social media, personal experiences and thoughts were often kept private or shared with a select few. This allowed us to enjoy a certain level of personal space that is often lacking today.

Did you know that the average person spends around 2 hours and 22 minutes on social media each day? That’s a significant amount of time that could be spent interacting with the world around us in a more direct, meaningful way.

Growing up without social media, we learned to value our privacy and personal space, lessons that remain relevant in today’s hyper-connected world.

4) Mindful living

Without the constant distraction of social media, we were more present in our lives. We learned to appreciate the beauty of a moment without the urge to capture it for an online audience.

This idea is closely aligned with the teachings of Buddhism, which emphasize mindfulness and present-moment awareness.

In my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego, I delve deeper into how these principles can help us lead more fulfilling lives.

For instance, instead of mindlessly scrolling through social media feeds, a practice of mindfulness encourages us to engage fully with our surroundings. This not only enhances our experiences but also allows us to lead a more balanced and meaningful life.

Growing up without social media, we were unknowingly practicing a form of mindfulness that Buddhism advocates, a perspective that continues to shape my worldview today.

5) Self-acceptance

In an era devoid of social media, the emphasis on physical appearance wasn’t as intense as it is today. We weren’t constantly bombarded with images of ‘perfect’ bodies, extravagant lifestyles, or flawless faces.

I struggled with body-image issues during my teenage years. It was a difficult time, but it was also a period of immense growth and self-discovery. Without the influence of social media, I learned to accept myself for who I was, imperfections and all.

This journey towards self-acceptance was invaluable. It has allowed me to appreciate the beauty in diversity and individuality and has helped shape a more compassionate and accepting worldview. This perspective is often lost in today’s world of heavily edited photos and unrealistic beauty standards propagated by social media.

6) The gift of boredom

Yes, you heard it right. Boredom, which is often seen as undesirable, was actually a gift for those of us who grew up without social media.

In a world where our attention wasn’t constantly being demanded by a barrage of notifications, we had the space to be bored. And boredom often led to creativity.

We invented games, explored our surroundings, and let our imagination run wild. We weren’t consumers of content as much as creators of our own entertainment.

Surprisingly, growing up with periods of boredom encouraged us to be more creative and self-reliant. This unique perspective has been instrumental in fostering innovative thinking and problem-solving skills that are invaluable in the real world.

7) Value of time

Before the era of social media, we had a different relationship with time. With fewer distractions, we often found ourselves with more time to invest in hobbies, studies, or simply being in nature.

We learned to value time and use it wisely, engaging in activities that enriched us physically, mentally, and emotionally.

This understanding of time as a valuable resource is something that has stayed with me. It has shaped my mindset towards productivity and efficiency, and has made me value the importance of balancing work, rest and play in today’s fast-paced world.

8) Authenticity

Without social media dictating what’s trendy or popular, we learned to define our own values and interests. We were less influenced by the crowd and more tuned into our authentic selves.

This authenticity allowed us to develop a strong sense of self-identity, independent of external validation or approval. It taught us to value our individuality and encouraged us to stay true to ourselves, regardless of societal pressures or expectations.

Today, this perspective allows us to navigate the world with confidence and authenticity, making genuine connections and leaving a unique imprint wherever we go.

Final thoughts: It’s about perspective

The lens through which we view the world is largely shaped by our experiences. Growing up without social media has provided a unique perspective that continues to influence how we navigate the world.

This perspective, devoid of digital filters and online validation, has instilled a sense of authenticity and self-reliance in us. It has taught us to value personal interactions, appreciate our privacy, and find joy in direct experiences.

In my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego, I explore how such perspectives can shape our lives for the better. How they can help us live more mindfully, authentically, and compassionately.

While we can’t turn back the clock and change our upbringing, we can certainly learn from different experiences and perspectives. And maybe, just maybe, integrating some of these lessons from a pre-social media era could add a layer of depth to our current digital lives.

In essence, growing up without social media was not just about missing out on certain experiences but also gaining some unique insights. Insights that have shaped who we are today, and how we relate to the world around us.