Why Starting on a New Platform Feels Intimidating
Starting fresh online feels exciting—but psychology shows why new platforms can overwhelm and mislead us.
Novelty bias happens when we get excited about something simply because it’s new. This could be a new idea, treatment, technology, or tool. That excitement often makes us expect the results to be more impressive than they really are. Over time, though, the initial “wow” factor fades, and we begin to see the true effectiveness of whatever it is.
Today, we’re going to break down the theory behind novelty bias and its relevancy when using social media or similar digital tools for the first time compared to someone who’s been using it since the dawn of time.
Why Does This Happen?
Novelty bias usually shows up when several psychological tendencies surface at the same time. When something is fresh, people often give it extra attention and effort, which makes it look more effective than it really is. Another factor is selective reporting. In the early stages, positive results are more likely to be shared, while negative or mixed outcomes are ignored. As the excitement fades, those less flattering results begin to surface, giving us a more balanced picture.
There’s also confirmation bias, which many content creators experience firsthand. People naturally look for evidence that supports their excitement about a new idea or platform, while ignoring anything that challenges it.
I’ve had my own experience with this on Pinterest.
At first, I thought it was the perfect tool to promote my Medium and Substack posts. I loved the idea of sharing content easily and building a steady audience outside of the blogging platforms. But once the newness wore off, I realized my audience wasn’t actually on Pinterest. In the end, I was spending money marketing in the wrong place simply because I wanted the platform to work for me.
Finally, there’s “hot topic” bias. When something is trendy, researchers and users alike may feel pressure to prove that it works instead of testing it fairly. Riding the wave of popularity feels exciting, but it can cloud our judgment. We’ve all been guilty of chasing what’s popular rather than carefully evaluating whether it truly fits our needs.
Together, these factors explain why new platforms, tools, or treatments often seem more effective than those that are long‑lasting and reliable. The shine of “newness” can distort our judgment. That’s why it’s always best to pause, observe, and look for long‑term evidence or social proof before deciding how valuable something really is.
Moving on!
The Comparison Trap
One of the biggest challenges of starting on a new platform is the constant exposure to other people’s success. Platforms like TikTok and Substack thrive on visibility. You open the app, scroll for a few minutes, and suddenly you’re surrounded by polished creators with thousands of followers, professional graphics, and seemingly endless engagement. Against that backdrop, your first post can feel small, even insignificant.
Researchers call it social comparison theory, the idea that we measure ourselves against others to understand our own progress. The problem is that online, the comparisons are rarely fair. We’re often stacking our beginning against someone else’s middle, or even their peak. Their years of practice, trial and error, and audience-building are invisible to us. All we see is the highlight reel, and it makes our own efforts feel inadequate.
The comparison trap thrives in digital spaces because the metrics are public and immediate. But your worth as a creator isn’t defined by numbers. It’s defined by the courage to share, the consistency to keep going, and the authenticity that makes your voice unique. The moment you stop measuring yourself against someone else’s journey, you free yourself to focus on your own.
Identity and Impression Management
Have you ever started on a new platform and felt overwhelmed or confused? It’s okay—many of us have been there. When you practice controlling the image you present to others online, you’re engaging in what psychologists call impression management. This shows up in choices like updating your profile picture, writing your bio, or deciding on the tone you use in your posts.
Every decision you make reflects your digital self. Unlike meeting someone face‑to‑face, online impressions don’t fade after a brief conversation. Your posts, shares, likes—everything—can stick around, ready to be replayed, reshared, or even turned into a viral trend or meme. That’s why it’s so important to be mindful of what you put online.
Building your digital identity happens piece by piece. Every like, subscribe, comment, or user block adds to the picture of who you are. For some, that visibility can feel intimidating. But with the right intentions, it becomes an opportunity to be deliberate about how you show up and how you support your online community.
Remember: crafting your online identity isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being clear and intentional. It’s about deciding what you want others to understand about you and the knowledge you have to offer.
Summary Time!
Starting on a new platform often feels exciting, but psychology shows us that this excitement can distort our judgment. Novelty bias makes new tools or platforms seem more effective than they really are, fueled by selective reporting, confirmation bias, and the pressure of trends. Over time, the shine fades, and we see the true value of what we’re using.
At the same time, creators face the comparison trap, measuring their beginnings against the polished success of others. This unfair comparison can lead to anxiety and hesitation, but remembering that growth takes time helps us focus on our own journey. Finally, impression management reminds us that every choice we make online—from profile pictures to tone—shapes our digital identity. While visibility can feel intimidating, it’s also an opportunity to be intentional, authentic, and clear about what we want others to understand about us.
Reflection Questions
Think about a time you tried a new platform or tool—did novelty bias make it seem more effective than it really was?
How do you personally experience the comparison trap when scrolling through TikTok, Substack, or other platforms?
What intentional choices can you make today to shape your digital identity in a way that feels authentic and sustainable?
Drop your thoughts, share your story, or journal about this in the comment section below. Extra bonus points if you shared this post with someone you know with your answers! Thanks for reading and don’t forget to Spread the Love!