this was good! and made me realise I wasn't subscribed to you, which was an oversight. thanks for everything you share here, it's edifying in a conversational way.
Ugh YESSS. Loved reading this perspective 💗 I’ve also been feeling lately this wave of exhaustion and anxiety every time I scroll & have to stop myself and say “I actually don’t need other people telling me what to do”. So easy to forget the autonomy one has over their lives & the wisdom in your own intuition.
Years ago, I was telling a brilliant priest friend of mine that I was depressed. He asked me to describe my internet browsing habits as well as the other media I watched and listened to all day. When I finished telling him he just gave me a look and said “you become what you consume.” He also told me to stop watching the news! As usual, he was right.
I resonate so much with this, especially as a mother. I've got twins and while obviously I've got my hands full, when people say this to me it makes it worse. I know I'm busy, I know I've got a lot on, but when people say that over and over again, it makes me feel less like I've got it, when in reality I've got it. I'm tired but I've got it. Your post is a nice reminder not to fill your head with thoughts that aren't your own. Thank you.
"Why would you willingly subject yourself to this kind of stuff?"
Wonderful post. Perfectly put for everything you listed, and it applies to the ubiquitous blatant and insidious adverts, too (everywhere!) -- People don't let salespersons in every room of their house, yet they allow them directly into their heads every time they view an internet social media website. I embrace and practice vigilance toward all media and consequently feel a whole lot healthier mentally because of it. BTW I've noticed that AI can help avoid ads and clickbait. The bot acts as a deep diver into the sludge of internet and hands me what I want to see, and none of the other junk.
Oh I can’t. I just do as you advise & curate the voices. I’ve gotten close with several old people—the softened ones (as opposed to those who mature into bitterness). Their company really settles me & their wisdom can carry me long stretches.
Just back from a break offline, and these words have never rung more true: "The algorithm won’t provide you with satisfying answers to your unique situation; it is designed to keep you in a state of anxiety and doubt." Thanks for these refreshing and important insights, Catherine.
So so so true. I recently stopped reading/listening to people talking about motherhood on the internet because I didn't want to anticipate that parenting would be a certain way or get anxious about aspects of it before I even had a kid of my own. I want to experience it myself and draw my own conclusions!
Can I get an amen?! We aren’t meant to have this many random voices, opinions or “takes” invading our minds. Social media is spiritually jarring. So you control the technology so it doesn’t control you.
The most true words I have read today. Keep going. This helps.
this was good! and made me realise I wasn't subscribed to you, which was an oversight. thanks for everything you share here, it's edifying in a conversational way.
Ugh YESSS. Loved reading this perspective 💗 I’ve also been feeling lately this wave of exhaustion and anxiety every time I scroll & have to stop myself and say “I actually don’t need other people telling me what to do”. So easy to forget the autonomy one has over their lives & the wisdom in your own intuition.
No one knows you better than you know yourself 🩷
Years ago, I was telling a brilliant priest friend of mine that I was depressed. He asked me to describe my internet browsing habits as well as the other media I watched and listened to all day. When I finished telling him he just gave me a look and said “you become what you consume.” He also told me to stop watching the news! As usual, he was right.
I love this, always great to have priest friends
I resonate so much with this, especially as a mother. I've got twins and while obviously I've got my hands full, when people say this to me it makes it worse. I know I'm busy, I know I've got a lot on, but when people say that over and over again, it makes me feel less like I've got it, when in reality I've got it. I'm tired but I've got it. Your post is a nice reminder not to fill your head with thoughts that aren't your own. Thank you.
Totally, sometimes too much "sympathy" is a bad thing.
"Why would you willingly subject yourself to this kind of stuff?"
Wonderful post. Perfectly put for everything you listed, and it applies to the ubiquitous blatant and insidious adverts, too (everywhere!) -- People don't let salespersons in every room of their house, yet they allow them directly into their heads every time they view an internet social media website. I embrace and practice vigilance toward all media and consequently feel a whole lot healthier mentally because of it. BTW I've noticed that AI can help avoid ads and clickbait. The bot acts as a deep diver into the sludge of internet and hands me what I want to see, and none of the other junk.
Brb tattooing this on my forehead: We shouldn’t confuse broad exposure with depth, or information with wisdom.
"Everything seems like a catastrophe when everything we see online either is one (or is made to seem like one)." 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Perfectly explained Catherine. I couldn’t agree more. We all need “brain space” for original thinking and in order to mature emotionally.
Amazing, as always. Great perspective on our online reality.
<3 !!!
Couldn’t agree with this more.
🤍 Why is it so hard to get other people out of our heads?
Oh I can’t. I just do as you advise & curate the voices. I’ve gotten close with several old people—the softened ones (as opposed to those who mature into bitterness). Their company really settles me & their wisdom can carry me long stretches.
Just back from a break offline, and these words have never rung more true: "The algorithm won’t provide you with satisfying answers to your unique situation; it is designed to keep you in a state of anxiety and doubt." Thanks for these refreshing and important insights, Catherine.
Always love your words!
So so so true. I recently stopped reading/listening to people talking about motherhood on the internet because I didn't want to anticipate that parenting would be a certain way or get anxious about aspects of it before I even had a kid of my own. I want to experience it myself and draw my own conclusions!
Love this Catherine!
Can I get an amen?! We aren’t meant to have this many random voices, opinions or “takes” invading our minds. Social media is spiritually jarring. So you control the technology so it doesn’t control you.