my social media manifesto.
artist vs the algorithm pt. 2
In Part 1 of this series, I critiqued Meta for their lack of communication regarding their Reels Bonus Program Creators. I also expressed my skepticism for the new program they are testing out - Meta Verified, a subscription service which offers a verified badge, proactive account protection, access to account support, and increased visibility and reach.
I have my fair share of skepticism about this program. I’m just not buying that Meta can handle the kind of customer support they are promising, I think it will only embolden cyberbullies and spreaders of misinformation, and the anecdotal word on the street from folks who purchased and tested out the new program, It doesn’t seem to actually increase your reach or engagement.
My relationship to social media has been fraught long before this program but Meta Verified certainly was the straw that broke this camel’s back. I simply cannot keep engaging with these corporations and apps in the ways I have been. They’re like a bad boyfriend - an uncommunicative lover with conditions that leave you feeling anxiously attached.
So I have been envisioning new digital habits for myself. They’re a work in progress and by no means perfect but, I hope they help you brainstorm alternative ways to engage (or not) with these insidious apps. Without further ado, I give you my personal social media manifesto.
My Social Media Manifesto
-I reject the ways app creators want me to engage with these apps and follow my own standard operating procedures to maximize their benefits and reduce their harm.
-I refuse to contort myself and what I share to appease an algorithm
-I don’t want to be bombarded with ads. When possible, I keep these insidious apps off of my phone, opting for their desktop counterparts.
-I intentionally curate my Instagram feed; because focusing on quality not quantity will help me spend more time offline.
-I refuse to feed a machine that rewards half-baked ideas and creations instead of incentivizing deep work. I prioritize long form content and sharing projects that took time and care to create over short form content.
-I refuse to be a walking billboard and do my best to negotiate all Instagram brand partnerships into Youtube Sponsored Videos.
- I don’t want to consume short-form video content (unless it’s 16 bars). I strengthen my attention span by avoiding the reels tab.
-I use social media to make connections and attend events in real life.
-I use social media to create a network and connect with my communities, not to grow a following.
-I don’t want to feed a machine that doesn’t care about me and my wellbeing. I take breaks and sabbaticals when I need them.
Love,
Meredith
P.S. Stay Tuned for part 3 of this series where I go into why I stopped trying to be a part-time disability influencer and how content creation is killing your creativity.
Happy Little Mermaid Release! - here’s one of my go-to audition songs. Give me all the beef you want about it being overdone, I love it, It holds a different meaning for me as someone who doesn’t walk and, ya pal books with this song.
Speaking of beef, I loved Beef on Netflix.
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I blew through Queer Eye Season 7. It took place in New Orleans which was fun since I went there on tour last year.
Scout and I’s trainer is collaborating with a breeder who is donating a puppy and gifting discounted training to a veteran. Learn more here on how to apply.
Ariel is an autistic character. Try to change my mind.
this is literally me. cannot tell you how many nights I’ve stayed up late expecting a call or text from someone who told me “talk to you later”
98 email sign-offs with personality.
read the @crybabyclub_ caption for this illustration here.
hot take alert: I think we should abolish consultants as a position everywhere. Just hire marginalized people. Read the full caption from this post here.
If you have made it this far THANK YOU so much. If you have enjoyed this newsletter and want to support me you can: