What’s Gone Wrong?

It’s 2023, and the social media landscape appears stuck in a loop. What was once a platform for connection and shared experiences has morphed into an ouroboric cycle. Influencers, keen on amplifying their reach, influence others to seek the same fame. And how do they do it? By advising these aspirants on the art of gathering more followers, thereby gaining more influence in return.

How Did We Get Here?

To understand the current state, it’s essential to look back. Social media platforms initially offered a space for sharing and connection. However, as algorithms began rewarding engagement, the quality of interaction took a backseat. Metrics like followers, likes, and shares became social currency. It was this shift that paved the way for the ouroboric cycle we see today, where value is measured in numbers and not meaningful connections.

What are the Methods?

The mechanics of this ouroboric hell are simple yet devastating. Influencers deploy various strategies to expand their follower base. They then sell this “expertise” to their followers, who are enticed by the promise of achieving similar influencer status. The result? A self-perpetuating cycle.

1. Content Creation: High-quality content attracts followers.
2. Engagement: Reacting and responding to comments and messages boosts one’s visibility.
3. Collaborations: Teaming up with other influencers for shared content exposes one to a wider audience.

Who are the Winners and Losers?

Ironically, the biggest winners in this system are often the platforms themselves, reaping the benefits of high engagement and ad revenue. The influencers, too, enjoy their moments of fame and material gain.

The losers, on the other hand, are many:

• The general public, who are subjected to shallow content.
• Aspiring influencers, who may find themselves spending more than they earn.
• Authenticity and creativity, which become casualties in the race for more followers.

Is There a Way Out?

Breaking free from an ouroboric cycle is no simple feat. But acknowledging the problem is the first step. Future platforms could recalibrate algorithms to reward meaningful interactions over sheer numbers. Users, too, have a role to play by being more discerning in their consumption and support of content.

Final Thoughts

The state of social media has reached an ouroboric impasse. While some manage to turn this into a lucrative opportunity, the repercussions are felt across the board. To move forward, we must reassess the metrics of value and success in the digital realm. Only then can social media return to being a platform for genuine connection, rather than a snake eating its own tail.

What’s Really Behind ‘Interesting’?

Why do we often find ourselves engrossed in ‘interesting’ content? It grabs our attention, taps into our emotions, and perhaps even stokes our ego. But what actionable change does it actually bring about in our behaviour? How many folks even seek actionable change in behaviour?

What Makes Something ‘Useful’?

Useful is a powerful term. It denotes something that brings about or strengthens a change in behaviour. Is that our goal when we seek advice, especially in the digital sphere crowded with unsolicited suggestions?

Why Do We Confuse the Two?

How is it that ‘interesting’ content often tricks us into believing it’s ‘useful’? Could it be the algorithms designed to keep us scrolling, or perhaps it’s our own failure to critically evaluate what and how we consume?

How to Differentiate Between ‘Interesting’ and ‘Useful’?

When scrolling through a sea of advice, what are the questions you should ask yourself to separate what’s genuinely useful from what’s merely interesting?

1. Is This Actionable?: Will the advice lead to new behaviours or strengthen existing ones?
2. Who’s Behind This?: Are the sources credible enough to trust for behavioural changes?
3. Does It Apply to Me?: Is the advice relevant to your life and circumstances?
4. Is It Concrete?: Does the advice offer specific steps for change?
5. Is the Impact Long-Term?: Will this advice deliver enduring benefits or is it a short-lived trend?

What’s the Real Cost of Opting for ‘Interesting’?

When you spend your valuable time on ‘interesting’ content, what opportunities for meaningful change are you missing out on? Is the real cost just time, or is it a loss of potential growth?

Why Should You Care?

In a world where your attention is a coveted asset, what is the benefit of choosing ‘useful’ over ‘interesting’? Could the key to meaningful life changes lie in this simple choice?

As an ideas artist, philosopher and human being, I lament the state of social media and its impact on our society. Was it ever intended to encourage dialogue and conversation? This is a question that has been on my mind for a long time now, and I feel compelled to express my experiences on the matter.

Social media was originally intended to be a platform for people to share their thoughts and opinions, to connect with others and to create a virtual community. It was supposed to be a space where people could engage in meaningful conversation and exchange ideas. However, over the years, it has transformed into a breeding ground for hatred, division and negativity. The anonymity and distance that social media provides have led people to hide behind their screens and engage in vicious attacks on others.

Instead of fostering meaningful conversations, social media has become a place where people come to judge and criticise others. It has become a space where people can publicly shame and harass, and where the truth is often distorted. People are more concerned with getting likes, comments and shares than with fostering genuine connection and understanding.

Moreover, social media has become a tool for propaganda and manipulation. The algorithms that control what we see on our feeds are designed to keep us engaged, but they also limit our exposure to new ideas and perspectives. The result is that we are trapped in our own echo chambers, only exposed to information that confirms our own biases and beliefs.

This has led to a fragmentation of society, where people are more divided than ever before.

The negative impact of social media on our mental health and well-being is also undeniable. People are becoming more and more obsessed with their online persona, and are constantly comparing themselves to others. The constant exposure to negativity and hate has led to a decline in self-esteem and has increased levels of anxiety and depression.

In conclusion, social media was never intended to encourage dialogue and conversation, but rather to connect people and foster understanding. However, over the years, it has become a platform for negativity, propaganda, and manipulation. It has fragmented our society, and has had a devastating impact on our mental health and well-being. As a society, we need to reclaim social media and transform it into a space where people can engage in meaningful conversations, exchange ideas and foster genuine connection.

Yes I said years ago I wouldn’t be returning. And I have not exactly returned. Judge me as you will.

I’m now one of the folks tweeting on behalf of The Quintessential Group. Twitter handle: @AlienTechGroup

Tweeting about The Group and all things Alien Tech and Quintessential.

BTW Also on LinkedIn – in person and as The Quintessential Group.

Maybe we’ll see you out there?

View at Medium.com