That title about sums up my day. I was once again up before the birds, got some groceries delivered before 6 AM, did some chores then had a nice cup of tea before doing some meal preparation. On the menu this week: Skillet veggie fried rice, cauliflower gnocchi with vegetables, salads and various veggie sandwiches along with a pot of split pea soup.
I was able to catch portions of the 60 Minutes interview with Frances Haugen. I cannot say that I was terribly surprised by her disclosures. By now most people who pay any attention should realize that company manipulates its users to make money and keeping users on its platform is the name of the game.
Do I like it?? No. But my life does not revolve around it either. I've never purchased anything from an ad there, don't frequent hate groups, rarely post anything of a political nature and mostly communicate with friends and acquaintances who live far away from my locale. Would I be upset to close my account?? At this point, no. In fact, it is something I've considered doing.
It wasn't until I read his book about social media that I fully appreciated Cal Newport's research and his assertion that as ubiquitous as it has become, we do not need social media and if we do choose to use it, we should consider how and when to use it, keep our use to a minimum and craft our use to our own purposes for having it or keeping it.
In the months since the pandemic, my usage changed as I've made greater effort to communicate with folks privately rather than through posts to a feed. That is likely to continue. I do not post writing there and can't remember the last time I took a new photo as a post. Most people, particularly those who have grown up with various forms of social media, assume it is a must-have. Given a choice of platforms, I still prefer blogging and having to sit and craft an email over selecting an emoji from a pre-determined menu produced by algorithms. Once a writer, always a writer or perhaps I am showing my age.
In other news, Lukas is evidencing a back up. Whether from medication or lack of activity, I know not. If things do not right themselves with the use of a softener which he gets already, he may require a vet visit for an enema...
I will leave you with that cheery thought. Have a good evening.
