Me: I’m an introvert who wants to reach out more. I’d like to make it a higher priority in my life to connect with fellow creators, to share my own music and art more publicly, to be part of a community, to build an audience.
Me: How do I that? Social media, maybe? I left Facebook in 2019 but I’m still on Twitter. Let me go to Twitter and see what’s happening.
Twitter: Here are some amazing people you should get to know, Rudi.
Me: Wow, great…
Twitter: And here’s an endless stream of devastating news about the worst things happening in the world, the depths of human cruelty and ignorance: senseless and brutal wars, ongoing genocide, the abuse of refugees, the destruction of ecosystems, the rise of authoritarianism, the threat of climate catastrophe, the specter of nuclear annihilation. You might want to follow this, Rudi, it’s IMPORTANT and it’s URGENT.
Me: …
Twitter: And here are some cat videos and advertisements for you, Rudi.
Me: ….
Twitter: And here are some alerts and notifications for you, Rudi.
Me: …
Twitter: And by the way we’re tracking absolutely everything you do and say here, Rudi.
Me: …
Twitter: And here’s your next dose in the endless stream of devastating news about the worst things happening in the world, the depths of human cruelty and ignorance: senseless wars, ongoing genocide, the abuse of refugees, the destruction of ecosystems, the rise of authoritarianism, the threat of climate catastrophe, the specter of nuclear annihilation. You might want to follow this, Rudi, it’s IMPORTANT and it’s URGENT.
Me: …
Question: Is it possible to use social media with intention and personal agency, without becoming overwhelmed, paralyzed, and addicted? Or is it best to log off? ■