memes

Cannabis is classified as a Schedule 1 narcotic because of certain properties that vaguely resemble the effects of much stronger drugs such as LSD or heroin (politics notwithstanding).

In the same way, Reddit and Lemmy are categorized as social media because they share some elements traditionally associated with social media platforms. These elements are similar to features found on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok, but are far more limited and only loosely resemble them.

The primary focus of platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok is to promote interaction and connection between users, often through real-world identities rather than anonymity. On the other hand, interactions on Reddit and Lemmy are almost exclusively anonymous and not necessarily encouraged as a central function of the platform.

By your definition, nearly anything could qualify as social media as long as it involves media and some capacity for correspondence. This broad and vague categorization dilutes the meaning of the term, making it less useful as a precise descriptor.

For this reason, I do not consider platforms like Reddit and Lemmy to be social media.

I understand that they're categorized as such I understand they're considered social media and I absolutely disagree with that categorization.