Nice piece, Ella, that resonates with me. I have the benefit of having grown up pre-internet and lived in the age of internet, so can compare how I connect with people and interests in both worlds. In the pre-internet world I actively sought out the people, events, topics and information I needed through active research; talking, travelling, reading magazines, books, going to events, cinema, watching films (esp. documentaries) and writing, and it worked just fine. Now I spend most of my time trying to filter out unwanted "recommended for you" posts, fake views and news and everyone trying to make a quick buck. Yes, there is good stuff in between that too, but why must I work so very hard to get the benefit of it, when it used to be so much easier? The instant connection of online is miraculous, but I believe we have yet to learn how to use it for our sense of self, sense of community and the interests that excite us. Keep writing - I'm listening.
Yes, we need cultural democracy and Big Tech is one of many obstacles.
Nice piece, Ella, that resonates with me. I have the benefit of having grown up pre-internet and lived in the age of internet, so can compare how I connect with people and interests in both worlds. In the pre-internet world I actively sought out the people, events, topics and information I needed through active research; talking, travelling, reading magazines, books, going to events, cinema, watching films (esp. documentaries) and writing, and it worked just fine. Now I spend most of my time trying to filter out unwanted "recommended for you" posts, fake views and news and everyone trying to make a quick buck. Yes, there is good stuff in between that too, but why must I work so very hard to get the benefit of it, when it used to be so much easier? The instant connection of online is miraculous, but I believe we have yet to learn how to use it for our sense of self, sense of community and the interests that excite us. Keep writing - I'm listening.