Social media is a cornerstone of modern life, a digital town square where we connect, share, and debate. Yet, behind the seemingly endless scroll of content lies a frustrating reality for many users: the ever-present struggle of simply logging in.

“I’ve been creating social media accounts for 30 years,” a seasoned internet user, simply known as A, tells SDG5 Uganda. “But these organizations have become so hostile against people that it has taken me the whole day to do something that would normally be finished in 30 minutes to an hour.”

A’s experience is far from unique. Countless users report spending hours trying to register or log into their accounts, battling a labyrinth of forgotten passwords, suspicious activity alerts, and seemingly endless verification codes.

“Every time I try to log into another device or log out my account, they tell me my password is wrong,” laments B, another frustrated user. “I’m tired of changing it.”

The constant password changes, while intended to enhance security, often lead to a vicious cycle of frustration. Users forget their new passwords, leading to more resets, more verification codes, and more time wasted.

The reasons behind this growing hostility are complex. Social media companies are under immense pressure to combat bots, trolls, and misinformation, leading to stricter security measures. However, these measures often come at the expense of user experience.

In the neverending quest for online security, it seems the user experience is often the first casualty. As we navigate the digital age, the question remains: is the convenience of social media worth the endless password blues?

It’s a question that social media giants need to seriously consider. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, user experience remains a critical factor in the long-term success and sustainability of any online platform.