I too have stepped back from all social media by disabling or deleting all my accounts (with my OCD it’s too hard to find a middle ground where I spend a little time there). I’ve really enjoyed spending my time differently, and a fair amount of that time goes to Substack (although I’m still working on giving more time to writing, not just reading). I have noticed something interesting though - I made the switch shortly before moving in with my partner, and I think if I was still single it would’ve been much more difficult to move away from social media. At the end of my days, social media was a way to connect with people, talk about our days, and have discussions about what was happening in the world - all things that are now built in with my partner but that I struggled to consistently find someone to do with before I was partnered. I do think the solution is to build better social infrastructure in our society, and to be more aware of the unmet social needs of single people, but it’s been interesting to ponder how this has unfolded in my life.
This is SUCH a good point! I see how substack publications would not meet that need. I was in a similar boat a few months ago when Micah was really little. I do think there are people who use social media often and well and make it work for them *despite* its design. I agree about the social infrastructure!
You've worded this so thoughtfully, and I resonate with all of it. I love the substack app because it feels like a curated magazine just for me. I also have a Micah, but mine is 6 (and a half, he would correct me).
Thanks for these practical tips on substack usage. I don't know how many I subscribe to (it feels like too many) but I am overwhelmed with my inbox and might turn off those settings as you outline and read in the app....
Life is too short and the work of writing is too important to waste our words and attention on social media. I’m so glad more and more of us are pushing back.
I too have stepped back from all social media by disabling or deleting all my accounts (with my OCD it’s too hard to find a middle ground where I spend a little time there). I’ve really enjoyed spending my time differently, and a fair amount of that time goes to Substack (although I’m still working on giving more time to writing, not just reading). I have noticed something interesting though - I made the switch shortly before moving in with my partner, and I think if I was still single it would’ve been much more difficult to move away from social media. At the end of my days, social media was a way to connect with people, talk about our days, and have discussions about what was happening in the world - all things that are now built in with my partner but that I struggled to consistently find someone to do with before I was partnered. I do think the solution is to build better social infrastructure in our society, and to be more aware of the unmet social needs of single people, but it’s been interesting to ponder how this has unfolded in my life.
This is SUCH a good point! I see how substack publications would not meet that need. I was in a similar boat a few months ago when Micah was really little. I do think there are people who use social media often and well and make it work for them *despite* its design. I agree about the social infrastructure!
You've worded this so thoughtfully, and I resonate with all of it. I love the substack app because it feels like a curated magazine just for me. I also have a Micah, but mine is 6 (and a half, he would correct me).
That's a great way to put it! I've had a lot of fun finding substacks that are pretty far afield to make my "magazine" rather eclectic too.
Thanks for these practical tips on substack usage. I don't know how many I subscribe to (it feels like too many) but I am overwhelmed with my inbox and might turn off those settings as you outline and read in the app....
Glad it was helpful! The app's interface is also just set up better for reading.
Life is too short and the work of writing is too important to waste our words and attention on social media. I’m so glad more and more of us are pushing back.
It! Was! Such! A! Joy! To meet you in real life!