When people think of the best social media app, they would probably be quick to mention TikTok or Instagram. However, with the future of TikTok in the air and many people criticizing the policies of Meta, the question of which app will be the alternative remains.
Pinterest officially had a beta launch to the public in 2010, amidst the time of other popular internet platforms such as Tumblr and MySpace. It essentially took the concept of a paper magazine or shopping catalog and made it free, accessible, and more importantly, fully customizable. It was then published as an iPhone app in early 2011, followed by an iPad. By 2013, Pinterest had gained a vast female user base, gaining almost 30 million users within the timespan of a few months. Pinterest has always been highly praised by the public and the media and is now one of the most used social networks of all time.
Since I first installed Pinterest in 2021, I’ve been using it for outfit and home decor inspiration as well as motivational quotes and daily affirmations. As I’ve grown older, I’ve spent more time on Pinterest and less time on apps like TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram. I can say I’m more productive and less brain-rot compared to before.
Even more recently, I discovered from a Pinterest post that there’s actually a studying option on iOS that blocks out notifications from social media and certain contacts, allowing users to effectively get things done. While something similar could also be found on Instagram and other platforms, there’s more productive content on Pinterest versus brain-rot content. For every helpful video you see on Instagram reels, there’s most likely at least five unproductive videos you’ll see after you scroll.
SRA sophomore Zoey Garcia says that she “loves Pinterest” for its “great gifting ideas, outfit ideas and room inspiration.” She states, “I like to look at people’s bedrooms on Pinterest and copy them in my own room.”
Whether you need motivation for something minor like doing a chore, or something major like winning a sports game or finally getting your driver’s license, Pinterest is perfect for advice, motivation, and inspiration.
