The digital world is noisier than ever, yet engagement across online communities, social media platforms, and groups is on the decline. If you’ve noticed fewer likes, comments, and interactions in your circles, you’re not alone. This shift—what I call The Engagement Recession—is impacting businesses, marketers, and thought leaders alike.
The Engagement Recession: Why Online Communities, Socials, and Groups Are Struggling—And What to Do About It
Recent data highlights the decline in online engagement:
Decreased Time Spent on Social Media: Users now average 141 minutes per day on social media, a slight reduction from previous years. (Sprout Social)
Instagram Engagement Drop: Instagram's engagement rate has fallen by 28% year-over-year, currently standing at 0.50%. Despite more people seeing content, fewer are interacting with it, signaling that Instagram’s algorithm is prioritizing reach over deep engagement. (Social Insider)
Facebook and X: These channels continue to also struggle with low engagement rates, each sitting at 0.15% in 2025. While both platforms saw a slight increase from last year, their engagement remains far lower than TikTok or Instagram, making organic success increasingly difficult. (Social Insider)
Preference for Smaller Communities: Research shows a shift towards smaller, authentic communities built on trust and meaningful connections, as users move away from larger, less personal platforms. (The Verge)
Declining Engagement in Online Communities: Participation in online communities has dropped by 25% as users seek more curated and intentional digital spaces. (Community Research Group)
These trends suggest that users are becoming more selective, seeking deeper, more meaningful interactions over broad, superficial engagements.
Several factors contribute to this decline:
Algorithm Changes: Social media platforms prioritize paid content and limit organic reach, making it harder for communities to maintain visibility.
Content Fatigue: Audiences are overwhelmed by endless content, leading to reduced participation.
Oversaturation: With so many online groups and communities, users are spread thin and more selective about where they engage.
Digital Burnout: People are craving real-world connections and stepping away from constant online interactions.
Why This Matters for Businesses and Thought Leaders
For brands and leaders who rely on digital engagement to build trust, nurture leads, and drive growth, this shift presents a major challenge. Low engagement means:
Diminished brand visibility
Reduced audience trust and loyalty
A harder time converting followers into customers or advocates
However, this challenge also presents an opportunity. Those who adapt will not only survive but thrive in this new era of digital interaction.
What’s Working Now? Strategies to Reignite Engagement
To counteract The Engagement Recession, here are some high-impact strategies:
Prioritize Meaningful Conversations: Shift from passive content to active discussions—ask thought-provoking questions, share stories, and invite genuine dialogue -- creating real community and human connection.
Create Exclusive, Value-Driven Spaces: Instead of large, generic groups, foster smaller, high-touch communities with exclusive content and deeper connections.
Leverage Live and Interactive Formats: Webinars, AMAs (Ask Me Anything sessions), and live Q&As drive real-time engagement and build stronger relationships.
Encourage Multi-Channel Engagement: Instead of relying solely on social platforms, use email newsletters, podcasts, and private communities to create a more sustainable ecosystem.
Optimize for Personalization: Customizing content and interactions to fit the needs of your audience makes them more likely to engage.
How The Savvy Business Woman Community Is Approaching Engagement Differently
At The Savvy Business Woman, I’ve observed firsthand how traditional engagement tactics are no longer enough. Unlike most communities, The Savvy Business Woman is not hosted on social media. This eliminates interruptions and algorithm disruptions, creating a richer, safer environment for meaningful conversations. Members experience increased opportunities to form real relationships without the distractions of endless scrolling and noise from multiple platforms.
Join The Savvy Business Woman community.
Instead of focusing on vanity metrics, I emphasize:
Quality Over Quantity: More in-depth discussions, fewer superficial interactions.
Relationship-Based Marketing: Fostering trust through direct connections and authentic conversations.
Hybrid Engagement: Blending online and offline interactions to build stronger relationships.
Focusing on meaningful interaction instead of mere visibility naturally leads to increased engagement, deeper connections, and improved business outcomes.
The Future of Digital Engagement
The engagement landscape is evolving, but the core principles of connection remain unchanged.
Those who embrace more intentional, relationship-driven strategies will be the ones who stand out and thrive.
Are you experiencing The Engagement Recession in your business or community? Let’s talk about how we can adapt and grow together.
About the Author
Michelle Silva is the founder of The Savvy CMO and a fractional Chief Marketing Officer dedicated to helping bold, visionary women leaders, entrepreneurs, and nonprofits cut through the marketing noise with data-driven, emotionally intelligent strategies. With a track record of working with high-impact brands and changemakers, Michelle leverages her proprietary RREV™ Framework—Revenue, Relationships, Ethics, and Values—to help businesses grow sustainably. She is also the creator of The Marketing Hour Podcast, where she uncovers high-impact marketing strategies from top experts. Connect with Michelle at TheSavvyCMO.com.
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