Great post. The thing about social media is simple: who is there, that is not trying to sell you something? And so, if that's why they're there, what is their spine truly shaped of?
Likewise, I see it Kevin! To be devil’s advocate, it feels like social media in many ways is a way to get the need for attention met to feel understood or loved through being “digitally liked”.
The spine of social platforms stemmed from to build social networks for small groups but has drastically pivoted to be more geared toward brands and business and a sense of “free” marketing to promote.
In a perfect world I’d love to see it as a tool that made me feel open to self-expression and staying connect with my community, *without* feeling attached in an unhealthy way to the tool.
Tommy thank you so much for reading! You're not alone. I still struggle with the temptation for cheap connection and winning popularity. It's so alluring and something I can't help but laugh at to think about what my grandma would think about this modern craving.
Another great one. I've been thinking a lot about social media breaks too. I just finished reading Candy House by Jennifer Egan and this quote really stuck with me:
the need for personal glory is like cigarette addiction: a habit that feels life-sustaining even as it kills you. (210)
Made me think a lot about the ways in which validation seeking on social can be insidious. Always appreciate your thoughtfulness.
Oh wow quite the plot-filled book summary that I just read of Candy House! I'd love to know more of your thoughts on it. You just got me thinking all about personal glory now. It feels like a loud type of gratitude that doesn't come from a genuine source.
It feels like validation and satisfaction are needs we crave and can fulfill through media but I'm not sure if that's actually the healthiest route.
I appreciate you having me pause to think about this more :)
“Instead of dreading my Internet connection, my phone, once a compulsive mosquito bite, became a tool for intentional living. I replaced mindless scrolling to escape boredom with direct texts to friends to set up chats for a deeper connection. Instead of seeking out tweets for writing inspiration, I took walks in nature without my phone. I sent more meaningful voice notes to loved ones in faraway timezones or thought-out emails to friends with what was on my mind. The itch of social media transformed into a scar that no longer bled but spoke of newfound peace.”
I'm so glad you liked that part James! It struck me a couple weeks ago after hiking how much I hated the temptation to itch myself and then it made me realize that social media used to be like that annoyance too!
I'm curious: are you going to partake in an experiment without social media?
Great post. The thing about social media is simple: who is there, that is not trying to sell you something? And so, if that's why they're there, what is their spine truly shaped of?
Likewise, I see it Kevin! To be devil’s advocate, it feels like social media in many ways is a way to get the need for attention met to feel understood or loved through being “digitally liked”.
The spine of social platforms stemmed from to build social networks for small groups but has drastically pivoted to be more geared toward brands and business and a sense of “free” marketing to promote.
In a perfect world I’d love to see it as a tool that made me feel open to self-expression and staying connect with my community, *without* feeling attached in an unhealthy way to the tool.
Wow, loved this Jen. Such an important message. Struggle to manage my relationship with social media.
Amazing work :)
Tommy thank you so much for reading! You're not alone. I still struggle with the temptation for cheap connection and winning popularity. It's so alluring and something I can't help but laugh at to think about what my grandma would think about this modern craving.
Another great one. I've been thinking a lot about social media breaks too. I just finished reading Candy House by Jennifer Egan and this quote really stuck with me:
the need for personal glory is like cigarette addiction: a habit that feels life-sustaining even as it kills you. (210)
Made me think a lot about the ways in which validation seeking on social can be insidious. Always appreciate your thoughtfulness.
Thanks for sharing!!
Oh wow quite the plot-filled book summary that I just read of Candy House! I'd love to know more of your thoughts on it. You just got me thinking all about personal glory now. It feels like a loud type of gratitude that doesn't come from a genuine source.
It feels like validation and satisfaction are needs we crave and can fulfill through media but I'm not sure if that's actually the healthiest route.
I appreciate you having me pause to think about this more :)
All of this was fabulous Jen, especially this:
“Instead of dreading my Internet connection, my phone, once a compulsive mosquito bite, became a tool for intentional living. I replaced mindless scrolling to escape boredom with direct texts to friends to set up chats for a deeper connection. Instead of seeking out tweets for writing inspiration, I took walks in nature without my phone. I sent more meaningful voice notes to loved ones in faraway timezones or thought-out emails to friends with what was on my mind. The itch of social media transformed into a scar that no longer bled but spoke of newfound peace.”
Thank you for the perspective and inspiration.
I'm so glad you liked that part James! It struck me a couple weeks ago after hiking how much I hated the temptation to itch myself and then it made me realize that social media used to be like that annoyance too!
I'm curious: are you going to partake in an experiment without social media?