Cal Newport: What Happened When an Offline Person Tried TikTok
newyorker.com
newyorker.com
A few weeks ago, I read a 1300 page fantasy book. A few weeks before that, I read a 400 page nonfiction book on a subject I'm interested in. I've also read philosophy, wrote in a journal, watched tv shows and movies, browsed TikTok for hours, and took many walks around the park. I really can't say I find any of these experiences any more meaningful than the others. Anti-consumptive behavior has its place when a life is out of balance, but we're all going to die, so does it really matter in the end?
I agree that the medium through which one has pleasurable experiences is very subjective, but at the same time how much of it is consumed, absorbed and captured is what I think matters when talking about a medium being just for consumption purposes. Earlier web and social media was a lot about contributing and having a dialogue now its vastly about consumption or some form of outlet which does not encourage any traditional engagement but a passive viewing.
That being said, all these channels also have content which is good and enriching. But to reach that one has to be familiar with the platform to navigate away from the algorithm and also be looking for it. The idea that TikTok throws in only the entertaining content for selected topics at the get go says a lot of the culture its promoting and encouraging.
Also I don't agree with people being more tolerant towards individuals who ditched social media. In my social circle, you either can't convince people not to use facebook to send you messages or convincing them will be short-lived. You will look weird and closer people(i.e. friends) will directly ask what's wrong with you