"Social media as processed food which mimics connection but strips out everything that actually feeds you" is the most accurate framing I've read on this.
Although I didn't try to escape digital life, I just avoided being visible in it for years because it felt unnecessary. And the cost was quiet but real: across every business and project I've built, I would have only won with a tribe behind me. The offline richness doesn't compound the way online presence does.
This past year I've been doing exactly what you describe as building intention into our pre-existing digital life — auditing subscriptions, unfollowing, clearing out, trying to bring some order to a flood of inputs that had no output. What you've given me is the biology behind why I've been postponing it for such a long time (actually thinking I will use it all someday) and why it felt so hard. I hope more marketers read this before they write their next "only 3 spots left" email. Thank you for writing this — the internet needs more of that.
very honest takes! i think intentionality and self-awareness is the key to fighting our biological impulses. this goes for any sort of diet or detox. it’s all about catching an impulse before acting on it, being aware that it was an impulse, and being intentional in redirecting yourself.
the “rooms” that brands and marketers create could absolutely serve as redirection and a safe space to not feel ashamed about what we’re being redirected from.
"Social media as processed food which mimics connection but strips out everything that actually feeds you" is the most accurate framing I've read on this.
Although I didn't try to escape digital life, I just avoided being visible in it for years because it felt unnecessary. And the cost was quiet but real: across every business and project I've built, I would have only won with a tribe behind me. The offline richness doesn't compound the way online presence does.
This past year I've been doing exactly what you describe as building intention into our pre-existing digital life — auditing subscriptions, unfollowing, clearing out, trying to bring some order to a flood of inputs that had no output. What you've given me is the biology behind why I've been postponing it for such a long time (actually thinking I will use it all someday) and why it felt so hard. I hope more marketers read this before they write their next "only 3 spots left" email. Thank you for writing this — the internet needs more of that.
Wow. This is so good. I especially love this line: "
Instead, they’ll be the ones creating rooms where people feel calm."
very honest takes! i think intentionality and self-awareness is the key to fighting our biological impulses. this goes for any sort of diet or detox. it’s all about catching an impulse before acting on it, being aware that it was an impulse, and being intentional in redirecting yourself.
the “rooms” that brands and marketers create could absolutely serve as redirection and a safe space to not feel ashamed about what we’re being redirected from.