It has been a little over 10 years since I deleted my Facebook account.
No long post. No explanation. I just logged out and never went back.
I ne...
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Same here! DEV is honestly a special place. Posts really travel far, even the SEO gets nicely boosted (even though I do nothing for it 😄), but inside the platform it still feels cozy like a good old niche forum from 15 years ago 🙂
That balance is what keeps me coming back. Reach without pressure, visibility without feeling on display. It’s rare to find a space that manages both so well.
All too true, Sylwia. I miss the old PHP-powered forums from before Discord and the changes that came with it!
There’s something grounding about spaces that reward curiosity and patience. Slower conversations, deeper thinking. That atmosphere makes learning feel enjoyable again.
Really couldn't have said it better myself, ujja. The other advantage of the forums of old - easier to find previous posts/information!
Haha, what's more! I guess you guys are native speakers, but I can really polish my English here 😁
Well, all I can add is that it comes across as very polished, Sylwia!
I'd say that's the best part. You could just write hello world and the community here would still react 😸
This is so very true!
I feel you. I intentionally try to reduce as much as possible the 'noise' from social media. But this platform feels like a genuine space where people share learnings. Not to boast or compare, but to discuss openly and share knowledge.
Exactly. That noise creeps in so easily, even when you do not invite it. What I really like here is that learning feels collective, not competitive. People show the messy middle, not just the polished outcome. That makes all the difference.
❤️
This made my day 🥹
hi,
recently i find myself checking dev.to more and more.
I like reading stuff here and also preparing in the background to start writing, again here and of course on my portfolio page.
I think it is really nice to share knowledge and of course it has real benefits to some, like networking, like learning while transmitting knowledge, but, in the end, it is sharing.
I learned so much from such platforms, posts etc, and not all are technical. So i really value it.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts
Absolutely. When a space feels comfortable, showing up regularly just happens.
Couldn’t agree more, ujja. I tried Hashnode a couple of years ago and bounced off it in a New York minute. I put off giving online platforms another shot for a long time because I wasn’t sure I’d ever find a real home. DEV going open source got me thinking again - and this year, I finally made the jump.
I get that. Taking a break makes sense when something doesn’t click. I’m glad this space turned out to be a better fit.
yeah, social media takes a real toll and sometimes it's unbearable. I have written a lot of personal (unfiltered) posts in my obsidian but I have never published them on devto/medium.
I found this community 3 years back I think and it's been great. most of the time, I just read posts silently lol.
Haha, what's more! I guess you guys are native speakers, but I can really polish my English here 😁
There’s something grounding about spaces that reward curiosity and patience. Slower conversations, deeper thinking. That atmosphere makes learning feel enjoyable again.
I always come back to dev.to. After my personal blog, it's my go-to space to share my coding ideas and read about what others are doing. I still use social media (LinkedIn specially) but I've set really strong rules. I even use a timer, otherwise I could end up scrolling there for hours.
That sounds like a healthy approach. Having clear boundaries really changes how these platforms feel. I like the idea of being intentional about where and how you share, it keeps things enjoyable instead of exhausting.
I also stepped away from most social media a long time ago, and I’ve never felt the urge to go back. The noise, the comparison, the constant pressure to be seen... it quietly drains you.
dev.to feels different in a way that’s hard to explain unless you’ve experienced it. It feels slower, kinder, and more honest. Less about showing off, more about sharing what you’ve learned (or struggled with) and finding people who actually get it.
I’ve found a real comfort zone here, a place where I can exist as a developer and a human, without feeling like I’m behind or not enough.
Thank you for putting words to something a lot of us feel 💙
Thank you, Hadil. Reading this made me smile. It’s reassuring to know this space offers that kind of comfort to others as well.
This really resonates. Having a comfortable corner on the internet makes such a difference, especially when you’re trying to grow consistently.
So true. The right space makes all the difference.
I'd say that's the best part. You could just write hello world and the community here would still react 😸
We are all glad that you are in Dev.to! I haven't go on social media on than here and YouTube. Happy you feel inclusive here!
That’s really kind of you, thank you ❤️
I feel the same way about this space. It’s nice to be somewhere that feels inclusive and genuine. Glad to be here with all of you.
Congrats on the consistency! Writing regularly is harder than it looks. I keep meaning to document more hackathon lessons but then the next project hits. Your resolution is inspiring though - might steal it.
Thank you! And honestly, I relate to that a lot 😄 there’s always another project waiting. Even small notes or imperfect writeups count, though. If it helps even one person (or future you), it’s worth it.
I'm also trying to be more consistent with writing and reconnect socially with peers who share the same hobbies.
A few years ago, I was very active in tech communities, discussing things on telegram and learning through conversations. Since the AI era started, I’ve noticed many of those communities becoming less active because we can ask almost anything to AI now.
But for me, I still need real discussions with people. That's why I like DEV, seeing writers connect through comments and conversations feels meaningful for me
Exactly. Tools have changed how we find answers, but they haven’t replaced the value of thinking out loud with other people. There’s something grounding about shared curiosity and back-and-forth conversations that no prompt can replicate. Spaces like this make that kind of connection feel natural again.
Thank you, I appreciate that 🙂
And yes, that’s the nice part about spaces like this, connecting through conversations that start naturally around shared interests. Always happy to exchange thoughts here in the comments.
I think the way you have shared your thoughts, tells alot. Keep going!
Appreciate that, thank you 🙂 Writing it out helped me reflect too. I’ll definitely keep going.
Thank you, Richard. This really meant a lot to read. And I’m glad this space has led to genuine connections for you, too.
One thing I really appreciate about DEV is that it doesn’t feel like it has a hidden agenda, be it political, religious, geographical, or otherwise.
The only agenda seems to be good tech, honest learning, and collectively figuring out why our code doesn’t do what we swear it should 😄
And honestly, I’m very okay with that.
This is a wonderful piece! Your journey resonates deeply with how important it is to find the right community. The way you explained how dev.to differs from other platforms, especially in fostering genuine connections rather than comparison, is exactly what makes this platform special. Thank you for sharing your authentic experience!
That’s really kind of you to say. I’ve realized the environment shapes how we show up, and when the tone is healthy, it encourages honesty instead of performance. I’m glad that came through.
Reach without pressure is such a perfect way to describe this community. Thanks for sharing your journey and reminding us that it’s okay to log out of the noise and just focus on the human side of tech :)
Thank you for reading it so closely. I think we all underestimate how much mental space we reclaim when we step away from constant noise. That shift has made a bigger difference than I expected.
I’m in a similar mindset : moving from " ghost reader " mode to being an active community member. It’s true that DEV has this unique atmosphere where you can admit a build failed without fearing judgment. It’s a game-changer for our mental health as developers. On other platforms, it often feels like we have to "sell "our careers. Here, we share code and real struggles. That’s what makes learning so much more effective and authentic.
tbh, making that shift changes the whole experience. Once you start contributing, it stops being just content and starts becoming a connection.
Same here. It’s one of the few places that still feels easy to exist in 🙂
I read your article. And then read the threads. And still reading...
Specially yours (@ujja) and Richard's (@richardpascoe) conversation.
Liked it a lot.
Just wanted to add a little - This space (dev.to) is nice, because of the people in it. The people who made it, and the people who are using it - are both nice. Like you guys. Love you both... 🤗
Technology changes, but people remain. And if a platform encourages good people and its contributions, it will naturally thrive. Those who do the opposite - will also get naturally deserted. They may stay afloat for sometime simply because of the power they accumulated over time, but not based on any authentic value.
You may agree/disagree - no issues, I am open to both.
Though from your previous threads, I think it will be safe to assume you agree. :)
And that is why I felt like I can put it here.
Coming back to articles.
Richard's articles in his series, that I already enjoy.
Looking forward to read your future articles too. All the best.👍
I get that. Taking a break makes sense when something doesn’t click. I’m glad this space turned out to be a better fit.
This conversation feels important because it reminds us of something easy to forget in the middle of technology, algorithms, and constant noise — we are humans first.
Spaces like this matter not just because of code or careers, but because they allow cooperation, understanding, respect, and tolerance to grow naturally between people who may never meet in real life.
When learning becomes shared instead of competitive, and when discussion replaces comparison, the internet slowly becomes healthier again.
Maybe the real value of communities like DEV is not only knowledge… but helping us return to our humanity while we build the future together.
Exactly. When learning is shared and not competitive, it just feels better. Tech is fast, but being human matters too.
Your words truly touched me.
You reminded me of my 17-year-old daughter — she is very smart, sensitive, and thoughtful. She doesn’t like noise or stressful competition; instead, she values cooperation, mutual respect, and kindness between people.
I showed her your post, and she found it very interesting and inspiring. I always try my best to involve her in the emerging tech community in a healthy and human way, and your message had a genuinely positive impact in that direction.
Thank you for sharing such meaningful thoughts.
I wish you all the best, and I hope more people in technology continue to choose humanity, respect, and understanding — not just numbers and competition.
That honestly means a lot. Thank you for sharing that with me.
If something I wrote sparked even a small positive conversation between you and your daughter, that’s more than I could have hoped for. The next generation entering tech deserves spaces that feel healthy, not overwhelming. The fact that you’re thinking about that intentionally already says a lot.
Wishing both of you the very best on that journey.
the post is fireplace even only why this phrase
Haha, yeah, that line felt important to mention because it kind of sets the vibe for the whole post. It was not really about deleting an account, it was more about changing how I relate to the internet and where I put my attention.
As if to say: lets leave other peoples space to others and take our own, I like the idea...
I personally have almost completely abandoned using Reddit (even though there are some helpful people and advice).
It probably won’t come as a surprise, but I never joined Reddit either 😄
I like the idea of letting certain spaces be what they are and carving out our own corner instead. Some platforms work for some people, and that’s fine I think.
Must admit, there are several sites I've never even remotely considered joining. The few I have and then left, I won't ever be re-joining either. Just nice to have found a home here at DEV.
what I regret about sites like Reddit is that they started out well, as an alternative to the usual big ones...
but then they became even worse, like the big ones -_-
there are many norma-users (non-trolls) and useful posts on Reddit, but so much garbage around and inside it that it makes me sick, and any new social network that tends to be streetwise ─ lets call it alternative or Reddit-style ─ makes the same mistakes and fills up with the same garbage
Yes, I have to say Dev.to is clean and healthy.
Indeed, Marco. Most popular sites should out great in the begining - or they would never become popular of course. Unfortunately, success often brings outside investment and that investment requires a return - enough said!
I quit Facebook 4 year ago, and went back recently. It’s a mess, there’s more adds than ever, posts upon posts of people I didn’t know existed but shows up on my feed, and there’s this urge to consume and get to the next post as fast as you can.
I ran away, again.
I created an account here on the site about two years ago, but didn’t used it until yesterday. I like in here, it feels peaceful.
Haha. I can relate to that. Timing makes a difference. Sometimes we leave, sometimes we return, and sometimes we find something that fits better. Glad this feels like a better match for you right now.
what I regret about sites like Reddit is that they started out well, as an alternative to the usual big ones...
but then they became even worse, like the big ones -_-
there are many norma-users (non-trolls) and useful posts on Reddit, but so much garbage around and inside it that it makes me sick, and any new social network that tends to be streetwise ─ lets call it alternative or Reddit-style ─ makes the same mistakes and fills up with the same garbage
Yes, I have to say Dev.to is clean and healthy.
I needed to read this. I also live a pretty quite life. I don't use any social media. I liked Linked-in because the feed used to be interesting, but with the introduction of AI the feed is full of slop, which has made the platform no longer interesting for me. That is why I was looking for a place where I could sense more of a community feel rather than the insanity of people obsessed with increasing their followers (I find that to be so stupid, that it kicks a sense of wonder of how much stupidity is going on right now).
I get what you mean. When everything starts feeling automated and optimised for reach, it stops feeling human. I think that’s what many of us are quietly looking for. Not more noise, not more metrics, just conversations that feel real. A place where you can think out loud without turning it into a performance. Glad you’re here. Spaces feel better when people who value that kind of depth show up 🙂
I joined DEV back in 2018, when it was still relatively new. At the time, I wasn't an experienced software engineer and I didn't consider myself "worthy" of writing articles. I thought that only elite-tier engineers should publish content. (I couldn't have been more wrong.)
That mindset stayed with me for quite a while. I only started writing my own articles last year, and it instantly turned into a completely new experience. I expected mixed or even negative feedback. It was my debut as a writer, and I assumed I wouldn't be very good at it (honestly, I still feel like I have a long way to go to even become good, let alone top or best). But the reality was the exact opposite. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive and encouraging. It surprised me in the best possible way. DEV has since become my comfort zone and it's going to stay that way.
I also completely agree with your comparison between DEV and other platforms. LinkedIn, Instagram and similar spaces sometimes feel like places where you constantly have to showcase success. Everyone is a winner! Everyone has revolutionary, groundbreaking ideas! Everyone is "happy to share that…" and "looking for amazing new opportunities to challenge themselves", when in reality, they might just be looking for any job. It can sometimes feel artificial and fake. I guess it's by design.
Here, it's the complete opposite. People openly talk about career struggles, burnout, and how much tougher the tech job market is compared to 5-10 years ago. There's far less posturing and far more honesty. I once wrote about developer burnout and the feedback I received was absolutely incredible. It resonated with so many people. That's what makes a community welcoming and approachable.
Great article! Looking forward to reading more like this.
Really enjoyed reading this Giorgi 😊
It’s great how encouraging this space can be when you take the leap to share. Excited to see more of your journey.
Thanks a lot Priyabrata 😊
Really glad you enjoyed the threads. Totally agree, it’s the people here that make dev.to such a great space. Looking forward to more conversations and sharing with everyone here
I've been on other dev social networks, and the first thing I received there was a downvote. Here, all the interaction so far has been positive.
I think what sets dev.to apart is that it's a place to share experiences, rather than just code, and it's a site you actually want to come back to.
First impressions matter a lot.
Starting somewhere new and getting instant negativity can shut people down quickly. I’m glad your experience here has been encouraging instead. When interaction feels constructive rather than competitive, it makes you want to show up again.
Yes! To all of this. There's a great sense of community here. Thanks for contributing to it.
Totally relatable. dev.to really feels like a safe and supportive space for developers to grow and share openly.
It definitely changes how consistent you can be when the atmosphere feels steady and welcoming. Growth becomes something you enjoy rather than something you chase.
I also giving a try to dev io happy to read this
Great post, Ujja! I just joined DEV too and I'm feeling that 'comfortable corner' vibe. My resolution is to document my journey learning Front-end. Thanks for the inspiration!
That’s a solid resolution. Sharing the process as you go builds momentum in ways you don’t expect. Looking forward to seeing your journey unfold here.
Thank you! I'm already feeling that momentum after these first few days.
See you in the next postI also giving a try to dev.io happy to read this
Nice 🙂 Jump in, experiment a little, and see how it feels. Sometimes participation changes everything.
Nice Thoughts
Appreciate you stopping by and reading it 🙂
I just discovered DEV today. I'm glad I came across this post as I too have similar feelings about other social medias. Hope DEV can be my oasis in the future 😌
New beginnings in the right place can be refreshing. Hope this space turns out to be a good fit for you over time.
Yes, Dev has been extremely helpful for my professional growth and continuous learning. I genuinely appreciate the quality of content shared here, as it has helped me clarify many of my doubts. I highly recommend this platform to anyone looking to learn, grow, and share valuable insights with the developer community.
That’s a fair observation.
I think DEV has a mix. Some people treat it like a blog platform and write long-form pieces, others use it more like an open discussion thread. I personally enjoy reflective writing, so mine tend to be longer.
But I get what you mean about missing old-school forums. There’s something special about raw, back-and-forth threads. Maybe the sweet spot is when long posts spark genuine comment conversations. That’s where it starts feeling human again.
I really like this perspective. You’re right - platforms evolve based on how people use them. DEV definitely feels like a hybrid between blogging and discussion, and that mix can be powerful when done well.
I also agree about old-school forums. The raw, unfiltered back-and-forth had a different kind of energy that’s hard to replicate. But you nailed it - when a thoughtful long-form post sparks genuine conversation in the comments, that’s when it feels truly human again.
It’s amazing how much you can learn just by reading how others solved stuff. Makes things easier sometimes.
Thank you for sharing this Ujja. This is just one of the posts that makes me think of my current situation as well. I joined DEV Community back in 2022, but I have never been active until this year when I started reading people's posts in here, and they all feel positive and gives solution. I think this might be the best place to be for my own good.
Thanks a lot!
Sometimes timing makes all the difference.
It’s funny how a platform can sit quietly in the background for years and then suddenly feel relevant. Glad it’s feeling positive for you right now.
Love this. The quiet you found by quitting the big platforms really resonates.
I'm the opposite. I'm still on LinkedIn. (I work as a journalist and need to promote myself.) But it makes me feel like the four-eyed nerd who crashed the cool kids' party. Everyone's posting "thrilled to announce" wins and boasting about their success while I'm up at 2 a.m. quietly trying to pay my bills while wrestling with whether AI is about to take my job(s), lol.
It often feels like the space wasn't made for people who just want to do the work without the show. Leaves me feeling unwelcome, lol.
dev.to is the first place in years that doesn't spark that comparison anxiety. People own their failures here. Bugs win sometimes. It's oddly comforting.
Thanks for the reminder that it's okay to choose human spaces and stay intentional. Logging out took courage. Staying present in the quiet ones does too.
Cordially,
Mike D
I get that completely. I have to promote myself too. The market for senior and lead software engineer roles is competitive, so putting your best foot forward is part of it.
On top of that, there’s hiring, company updates, hackathons, launches. A lot of visibility work that just comes with the role.
I try to treat it as part of the job, not my personality. Share the wins, support the team, help with hiring, and then step away.
That balance makes a big difference.
This post truly captures the quiet struggle many of us feel with mainstream social media and the relief of finding a space that values authenticity over performance. Your description of dev.to as a "shared journey" rather than a highlight reel is exactly why it remains such a special corner of the internet.
It's inspiring to see someone prioritize genuine connection and learning while consciously guarding their peace. Your resolution to engage more—but step back when needed—is a balanced approach we could all learn from.
Thank you for sharing this thoughtful reflection. It’s a comforting reminder that online communities can still feel human, humble, and kind.
Thank you so much for this.
I’m really glad it resonated with you. I think a lot of us feel that quiet tension with bigger platforms but don’t always say it out loud.
For me, it was never about rejecting social media completely. It was more about choosing spaces that feel healthy and sustainable. Somewhere you can show up as yourself without turning everything into a performance.
And yes, protecting your peace matters. If a space starts feeling heavy, stepping back is always an option. That freedom makes it easier to stay.
Really appreciate you taking the time to write this. Comments like yours are what make this place feel human. 🙂
I totally relate to this! Even though I’ve been here for a short time, I felt comfortable on dev.to from day one. People are kind and welcoming, and there are so many interesting posts and articles to read, share and learn from. It really feels like a space where we can be ourselves while growing and connecting as developers.
I am actually confused about this website. It says discussions. But each post is written like a very long article. Not really a human discussion, but more like a SEO optimized advertisement.
I really miss the old school forums. Places like reddit / stackoverflow are toxic at best.
This resonates so much. Dev.to feels like one of the last places on the internet where you can share something genuine without getting ratio'd or buried by an algorithm.
I started writing here recently about my journey building SaaS products as a solo dev, and the community response has been incredibly encouraging. No hot takes required, no engagement bait — just real conversations between developers.
Compare that to Twitter/X where everything feels like a performance. Here it's more like sitting at a coffee shop with other devs. That's rare these days.
I loved this post, thank you for sharing your experience. I want to create more demos and share them with the community. I am starting to feel like Dev.to is a good place for me. LinkedIn makes me feel like an imposter because everything looks perfect there and nothing needs to be fixed, and my journey is not like that all the time. I hope to share more soon.
That means a lot, thank you 😊
And honestly, please share the demos. Those in progress, not perfect, still figuring it out projects are the most relatable. That’s where real learning happens.
I totally get what you mean about that “everything is polished” feeling elsewhere. Real journeys have bugs, rewrites, doubt, and small wins. That’s normal.
If this space feels safer to share that version of your work, that’s a good sign. Looking forward to seeing what you build and put out here.
new to the community, hope devto will be my comfortable corner of the internet as well :)
Welcome 🙂 Try posting a little and see how it feels. Comfort grows over time.
Welcome 🙂
Give it a little time. Read, comment, maybe share something small. Comfort here usually grows gradually. Hope it becomes a good corner for you too.
This resonates deeply. The distinction you make between "highlight reel" and "shared journey" is exactly why I keep coming back to DEV.
I've been building automation tools that help teams share knowledge across platforms, and what I've noticed is simple: psychological safety drives knowledge-sharing. When people don't fear judgment, they contribute. They iterate. They learn together.
Your New Year resolution mirrors what we're seeing in high-performing teams—intentional, bounded spaces where humans show up as learners, not performers. That's rare. That's valuable.
Keeping that boundary (stepping back if it feels heavy) is the key. Thanks for articulating why DEV feels different.
When I come to dev.to feels like entering a class at the University.
And when go to others feels like going into a crowded party 😃
That says it all 😃
Any advice for new users? I honestly have been here for a while, posted once, cause of weird issue with docker. But never interacted much
Thanks for sharing. It's valuable for me, who's new here.
You’re very welcome 🙂
And welcome! Being new can feel a bit uncertain at first, but it’s honestly a friendly space. Jump into a few conversations, share when you feel ready, and it starts to feel natural pretty quickly.
Glad the post was helpful for you
Thanks a lot :)
Just joined dev, you're right, it feels different here. I think it's the authenticity lol, a lot of ai spam on the other platforms now
Thank You, i agree
same here, I started loving here too.
That’s nice to hear 🙂
It’s interesting how some spaces just click after a while. Glad you’re enjoying it here.
Dev.to really does feel more like a community than a highlight reel. Being intentional about where you spend your time online is such a healthy move. Glad you found your corner here!
Being picky about where you spend your time online makes a big difference. Glad it’s working for you.