When Did Social Media Become So Unserious?

Somewhere along the way, social media lost its weight. What started as a space for creativity, connection, and community has turned into something many people treat as a joke. Suddenly, everyone thinks they can “do social media.” Post a quick selfie, throw on a trending sound, or repost a meme, and that’s the job done, right?

Not quite.

When Did Social Media Stop Being Seen as a Skill?

For years, social media roles weren’t even considered real jobs. Businesses handed them to interns, assistants, or anyone “good with their phone.” Even today, you’ll hear people say, “Oh, just post something” as if it doesn’t take strategy, creativity, trend awareness, copywriting, design skills, video editing, and data analysis to actually make content work.

This mindset has made social media feel unserious when in reality, it’s one of the most powerful marketing tools out there.

The Problem With “Anyone Can Do It”

Yes, technically, anyone can post on Instagram or TikTok. But not everyone can create content that actually stops a scroll, engages an audience, builds a brand voice, and drives business growth. That’s the difference between “posting” and strategic social media marketing.

It’s like saying anyone with scissors can cut hair. Sure, you might snip a few strands, but can you deliver a flawless balayage, match tones perfectly, or build long-term client trust? No. That takes training, talent, and years of practice. Social media is no different.

In the hair industry, this misconception shows up all the time. Salons often hand social media over to the “youngest stylist” or whoever has time at the end of the day. But great hair content isn’t just snapping a quick picture of the back of someone’s head. It’s lighting, angles, storytelling, editing, captions, timing, and consistency.

When it’s done well, social media fills chairs. When it’s treated as an afterthought, it becomes another post lost in the feed.

Why Social Media Still Matters

Social media has been underestimated for too long. The brands, stylists, and creators who take it seriously are the ones who stand out. They’re not just posting; they’re building communities, shaping reputations, and driving real sales.

So next time someone says, “Anyone can do social media,” remember: the platforms may be free, but the talent isn’t.