How do you use social media while living abroad?

Asaël Häzaq Active member

Member since 18 November 2016

Asaël HäzaqActive member18 March 2026 09:08:08

Hi,

For an future article, we'd like to gather your testimonies : how do you use social media? Has your expat life increased the time you spend on Instagram, YouTube, WhatsApp, TikTok (and other platforms) ?

Of course, expat or not, social media is can be very useful and doesn't necessarily lead to addiction. There's a big difference between a few minutes a day and long hours of scrolling.

Is this difference increase when living abroad ? How do you use social media in your daily life ? Do you use it to stay in touch with family and friends, to stay informed, to make new local and foreign friends ?

Or do you spend several hours "losing yourself" in TikTok or YouTube videos ? Do you use social media to find comfort, for example, if you're struggling to make friends abroad ? Is scrolling just a way for you to relax, or a way to avoid loneliness?

Thank you in advance for your participation !

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Fred Indonesia Expert

Member since 02 August 2009

A smile is the universal welcome.
Max Eastman

FredIndonesia Expert18 March 2026 09:21:14

30344

I watch advert (and cost) free YouTube for hobby based videos, plus a bit of general watching - Less so now because there's way too much AI rubbish.

I had Facebook but they kept banning me for spamming. I had my Amateur radio callsign on there, and only posted on radio sites, but it seems that's spam - AI strikes again.

I have no other social media - I see way too many brain dead items making TikTok rubbish in the street and I don't want to be that stupid.

I use two forums - This and an Amateur Radio platform.

WhatsApp is telephone out here. People ask for your WA (wayar) instead of your number. None of the other calling apps are much used, but WeChat is useful for some.

Moon Dog Philippines Advisor

Member since 15 June 2021

Moon DogPhilippines Advisor18 March 2026 11:33:09

953

I'm using social media a lot less here compared to the U.S. I check email and sometimes post on FB before sunrise and before bedtime. It gets busy around here in the day time.

Cynic UK/Netherlands Expert

Member since 15 September 2015

CynicUK/Netherlands Expert21 March 2026 13:07:27

8090

I watch YouTube (I pay for Premium - I hate adverts); to waste a few moment I'll watch some TikTok reels. AI seems to be the current item of interest, to the extent that I believe nothing I read on the Internet anymore, but I'll watch it for entertainment value. Apparently, I'm now best friends with Elon Musk and Keanu Reeves; good for a laugh sometimes.