This situation is reminiscent of peak minimalism, when there was that lingering nudge for living the simplest life possible.
There’s no doubt that distancing yourself from what is mainstream posits benefits, but there’s equally no doubt in my mind that such a pursuit can quickly turn into a vain, voracious attempt at - as you pointed out - marketing some seemingly unique product, or some means of making oneself feel more frugal and industrious.
It’s important to be in coherence with your thoughts and how they correspond with social media. Otherwise, the hidden trend streams will devour, dare I say, brainwash you.
Absolutely, it'd be so easy to over-correct into the exact opposite realm. In an earlier draft, I actually had a note on minimalism that ultimately needed to be cut, but it's so funny you were still reminded of it. Being in touch with your thoughts and aware of how social media informs is so important!
Thanks for sharing. This puts into words some things I’ve been thinking about for a while. Would like to recommend you The Disappearance of Rituals by Byung Chul Han. Your writing closely follows the points of his book
It's always so humbling to me to find others are thinking about similar topics. Really appreciate you reading and taking the time to comment!
And thanks for the rec, I just read a sample and the bit at the beginning about how smartphones shouldn't compel us to reach for them compulsively already has me hooked. Going to check this one out
“Checking your likes is the new smoking. Phillip Morris just wanted your lungs but the App Store wants your soul”
This situation is reminiscent of peak minimalism, when there was that lingering nudge for living the simplest life possible.
There’s no doubt that distancing yourself from what is mainstream posits benefits, but there’s equally no doubt in my mind that such a pursuit can quickly turn into a vain, voracious attempt at - as you pointed out - marketing some seemingly unique product, or some means of making oneself feel more frugal and industrious.
It’s important to be in coherence with your thoughts and how they correspond with social media. Otherwise, the hidden trend streams will devour, dare I say, brainwash you.
Absolutely, it'd be so easy to over-correct into the exact opposite realm. In an earlier draft, I actually had a note on minimalism that ultimately needed to be cut, but it's so funny you were still reminded of it. Being in touch with your thoughts and aware of how social media informs is so important!
Thanks for sharing. This puts into words some things I’ve been thinking about for a while. Would like to recommend you The Disappearance of Rituals by Byung Chul Han. Your writing closely follows the points of his book
It's always so humbling to me to find others are thinking about similar topics. Really appreciate you reading and taking the time to comment!
And thanks for the rec, I just read a sample and the bit at the beginning about how smartphones shouldn't compel us to reach for them compulsively already has me hooked. Going to check this one out