They don’t know what it means. I have a friend who would boast about how free America is (they are 2nd generation). It’s taken over half a decade of me providing information that states otherwise. I think it’s finally starting to settle in with them. Sadly, the propaganda runs deep and it can take a long time for someone to break free of thought control.
Not OP but I run a business and handle the majority of interviews and hiring. I set up the beginning of my interviews just like OP does. If someone doesn’t have social media, I honestly think it is a bonus. I barely touch my own LinkedIn… I’d also much rather an application come through our website than an ad. I feel like those who apply directly have a better understanding already of what the job will entail. If a candidate makes it through the first few interviews, we invite them out to observe and then participate in the role (to see what they think and how they like it). I can usually tell by then if they will be a good fit. It’s been nice because occasionally a candidate will decide right then it’s not for them and save us both a lot of time.
Some positives may come from you sharing your experience. It may help someone going down a similar path to recognize it in themselves earlier and help them out. Wishing you the best!