When Social Media Feels Like Screaming Into the Void (And How to Keep Going)
You put your heart into a post. You spend time crafting the words, choosing the perfect image, and hitting publish with a mix of excitement and anxiety. And then… Crickets.
Maybe a couple of likes from your most loyal supporters. Maybe a random bot comment. But nothing close to the impact you hoped for. And suddenly, it feels personal.
If you’ve ever felt crushed by the lack of engagement on social media, you’re not alone. The digital world constantly tells us that attention = value, and when the numbers aren’t there, it’s easy to spiral. But your success isn’t measured by an algorithm—and engagement doesn’t always reflect impact.
Here’s how to keep showing up even when it feels like no one cares.
Recognize the Algorithm Isn’t About You
Social media platforms don’t exist to reward your efforts. They exist to keep users on the app as long as possible. That means their algorithms prioritize:
Highly engaging content that sparks debate (controversy sells)
Trending topics that keep people scrolling
Paid content that benefits the platform’s ad revenue
Meanwhile, authentic, thoughtful posts often get buried. A study by Socialinsider found that average engagement rates for Instagram posts dropped 30% in 2023 compared to previous years. And on Facebook? The average organic reach is only 5.2%—meaning if you have 1,000 followers, only about 50 people see your content.
Low engagement isn’t a reflection of your worth, talent, or impact—it’s often just the algorithm’s indifference. And no, that doesn’t make it suck any less. But separating your self-worth from your analytics? That’s survival.
Visibility ≠ Validation
One of the biggest myths about social media is that if people don’t engage, they don’t care. That’s just not true.
Studies show that 90% of social media users are “lurkers”—they scroll, they read, but they rarely comment or like. (Nielsen Norman Group)
Research from Sprout Social found that 47% of consumers follow brands or people for inspiration, not interaction.
Translation? People see more than they react to. Just because someone didn’t like, comment, or share doesn’t mean your words didn’t resonate. Many people read, absorb, and reflect—without ever clicking a button.
And if five people engage with your post, but one of them deeply connects with your message, was it really a failure? The world conditions us to chase big numbers, but real impact isn’t always loud.
Find Platforms and Communities That Feel Right for You
If social media feels like a constant uphill battle, it may not be you—it may be the wrong platform. Not every space is designed for your voice, message, or psychological safety.
If you thrive in long-form, thoughtful discussions, platforms like Substack, Medium, or private Slack groups may feel more aligned.
If social media feels overwhelming, a small, engaged LinkedIn network may be more rewarding than chasing numbers on Instagram.
If mainstream platforms feel performative, smaller, niche communities may offer more meaningful connections.
You don’t have to force yourself into a space that doesn’t support you. Find where your voice feels valued, not where you have to fight to be heard.
Shift Your Goals from Virality to Longevity
Social media makes us feel like if we’re not viral, we’re invisible. But virality is unpredictable, fleeting, and often not tied to long-term success.
Instead of chasing instant gratification, focus on:
Consistency – Show up even when it feels pointless. Momentum builds over time.
Depth – Speak to your people, not to the masses. Quality engagement beats empty likes.
Resilience – Accept that some posts will flop, and that’s okay. Keep creating anyway.
Most viral creators didn’t go viral overnight. It often took years of consistency before their content gained traction.
Protect Your Psychological Safety
Social media wasn’t built for your well-being. The constant cycle of posting, waiting for engagement, and comparing yourself to others can be mentally exhausting.
Post & Walk – You don’t need to obsessively refresh for validation. Walk the %^& away after posting.
Mute Metrics – If numbers mess with your head, stop looking at them for a while. Instagram even lets you hide like counts.
Curate Your Feed – Follow people who inspire you, not those who trigger comparison.
A survey by the Royal Society for Public Health found that Instagram is the most detrimental platform for mental health, increasing anxiety and depression in 70% of young adults. If social media is making you feel worse, not better, it’s okay to take a break.
Define Success on Your Own Terms
Instead of measuring success by likes, comments, or shares, ask yourself the following.
Did I create something I’m proud of?
Did I stay true to my voice?
Did one person resonate with it?
The most impactful people in the world didn’t wait for validation. They kept going even when no one noticed—until, one day, people did.
Your voice matters. Your work matters. Keep showing up.
Because your success isn’t in the algorithm—it’s in your consistency, creativity, and courage to keep going.