The vision I get when I think about the internet is one of absolute and infinite connectedness. Billions of tiny nodes connected with one another through a fibre-optic gossamer; access to interactions with millions of others at the click of a button.
But, this is an illusion. The fabric is controlled by algorithms optimised for one thing; selling advertising. There are chances for us to connect with others in this vast web, but only if we play by the web’s rules – which tighten and change every day. And even then, we’re competing for connection with the billions of others trying to do the same.
I had one meeting last week, in-person, and I came away recharged and with a feeling and privilege I haven’t experienced in many years on ‘social’ platforms. The feeling of true human connection – creative harmony with another soul. That feeling is indescribable.
Social media is a siren’s song – of scale, of connection, of ‘monetisation’, of a valuable way to spend time. But given the week I just had, it seems much better to stuff one’s ears with wax and keep away from the rocks.