Coming from a time when there was no internet, I can see the value in it.  I can’t take it for granted because I remember clearly a time when I didn’t have access to it.  While it is easy to get sucked into just consuming content mindlessly, it’s possible (and necessary) to use social media in a healthy, productive way. 

Before I started taking art seriously, I didn’t really care about social media and I barely used it.  Honestly, if I didn’t have my art and music to post, I’m not sure what I’d post and I don’t think I’d feel motivated to do so.   

I realized that social media could be a way to get my art out there, even if only in front of a few people.  While I love creating art, it can be demotivating if no one ever sees it.  Using social media is my way of saying:  I was here.  This is what I did.  This is what I care about and what matters to me.  

If other people can put stuff out there, so can I.  Why not be a part of the endless ‘crap’ that’s out there?  Also, I’d love to influence people in a positive way, if I can.  Maybe awaken their creative spirit, if just a little bit.  I don’t think social media needs to become a toxic obsession or competition, it can be a form of self expression, a fun way to document your life.

I give myself time to scroll, like, comment.  But only a small amount of time.  And I don’t do it mindlessly or every day.   I don’t pick up my phone whenever and jump onto Instagram.  

I follow people who inspire me, who resonate with me and who are positive.

I use YouTube to learn about the things I’m interested in.

I use Facebook sparingly, but it’s mostly to keep in touch with people I don’t see much in real life.

It’s easy to bitch and complain about how the algorithm has changed, yeah it has and sometimes it sucks.  But I’m very grateful to have a place that I can share my voice, if only a little bit and reach people.  There’s no comparison to the dark days when I felt like I was living in a vacuum.  When I was a teenager, I felt so limited.  I really think that had to do with the lack of access to information.  A entire world has opened up to me in the past 20 years and I’m so glad that it did.