I'm enjoying your newsletter/column! And congrats on breaking free of social. I got rid of Facebook in December 2019, which was the most problematic platform for me. (Like you, I also haven't ever gotten into TikTok.) I absolutely love my offline time. I like purposely doing things without my phone, leaving it behind when I can. A dollar store crossword book has been pleasing me for weeks. And your points about gambling resonate! It's an actual addiction, and they're weaponizing the same thing against us with social. What a mess.
Thanks for this and for the shoutout to my "What Makes the Internet Addictive?" post! Your story captures so well how social media preys on our vulnerabilities, especially in moments of stress. I'm glad you were able to harness that for positive change.
I see you like David Courtwright as well--he's great.
Sounds familiar. Since I started reading so many good Substack writers, I don't open Facebook much at all. I still like to keep in touch with former students, but I don't spend much time there. On the other hand, I often learn something useful on Substack. Much better.
Yes! And it's tricky as Substack adds more social media features and starts force feeding us what we should read per an algorithm on Notes, versus letting us establish our own curated list. And they've been going big on adding podcasts/video, groan. (Still, the depth of ideas here are definitely superior.)
That white board in the ICU is amazing. I fantasize about a social media hiatus, but never pull the trigger (or the plug, as the case may be). Perhaps I will soon! Thanks for this encouragement.
It is so hard when we're told as writers/editors to build out a "platform," often using some of these gaming techniques like nudging and creating FOMO and whatnot. I've decided my only platform is gonna be this newsletter, and beyond that, I just don't care anymore. If that means I never get published, that's OK. I'd rather be true to myself then spend hours scrolling/posting/commenting, etc. (That said I love FB Binders groups and find them extremely useful so I'll still be watching those feeds!)
Dear Joy, thank you for sharing this article; I enjoyed reading it. I imagine many of us can relate to the feeling of wanting to constantly open another app. It’s intriguing that you discovered FOMO was simply fading away. Things change, and our habits can change as well.
I invite you to explore something a bit different yet closely related to how the digital world influences our behavior: What if being online, where we are often unfiltered, could actually make therapy easier and more effective? I’ve shared some personal thoughts on how digital quirks might be transforming mental health care. I believe this could resonate with you, and I’d love for you to read it:
I'm enjoying your newsletter/column! And congrats on breaking free of social. I got rid of Facebook in December 2019, which was the most problematic platform for me. (Like you, I also haven't ever gotten into TikTok.) I absolutely love my offline time. I like purposely doing things without my phone, leaving it behind when I can. A dollar store crossword book has been pleasing me for weeks. And your points about gambling resonate! It's an actual addiction, and they're weaponizing the same thing against us with social. What a mess.
Thank you! The irony for my newsletter is it won't "grow" if I don't share it all over the place, so I've had to make peace with that.
In 2018, my FB page was stolen. It proved to be a relief.
Thanks for this and for the shoutout to my "What Makes the Internet Addictive?" post! Your story captures so well how social media preys on our vulnerabilities, especially in moments of stress. I'm glad you were able to harness that for positive change.
I see you like David Courtwright as well--he's great.
This was a great piece. I hope your brother’s condition improves. That must be difficult.
Thank you so much. I’m trying to be hopeful while keeping expectations realistic.
Sounds familiar. Since I started reading so many good Substack writers, I don't open Facebook much at all. I still like to keep in touch with former students, but I don't spend much time there. On the other hand, I often learn something useful on Substack. Much better.
Yes! And it's tricky as Substack adds more social media features and starts force feeding us what we should read per an algorithm on Notes, versus letting us establish our own curated list. And they've been going big on adding podcasts/video, groan. (Still, the depth of ideas here are definitely superior.)
Exactly!
Well said. But if it helps, the only place to go on social media is when you're at the hospital.
That white board in the ICU is amazing. I fantasize about a social media hiatus, but never pull the trigger (or the plug, as the case may be). Perhaps I will soon! Thanks for this encouragement.
It is so hard when we're told as writers/editors to build out a "platform," often using some of these gaming techniques like nudging and creating FOMO and whatnot. I've decided my only platform is gonna be this newsletter, and beyond that, I just don't care anymore. If that means I never get published, that's OK. I'd rather be true to myself then spend hours scrolling/posting/commenting, etc. (That said I love FB Binders groups and find them extremely useful so I'll still be watching those feeds!)
Dear Joy, thank you for sharing this article; I enjoyed reading it. I imagine many of us can relate to the feeling of wanting to constantly open another app. It’s intriguing that you discovered FOMO was simply fading away. Things change, and our habits can change as well.
I invite you to explore something a bit different yet closely related to how the digital world influences our behavior: What if being online, where we are often unfiltered, could actually make therapy easier and more effective? I’ve shared some personal thoughts on how digital quirks might be transforming mental health care. I believe this could resonate with you, and I’d love for you to read it:
https://wfmai.substack.com/p/unleashed-how-being-different-online?r=3row1i