This essay really resonates with me. Social media was once a positive, bit is increasingly a curse. I deleted Fb from my phone a year ago and don’t miss it. I still find instagram useful to see posts from artists I admire, and to keep up with my children. But the intrusive advertising is increasingly annoying, and I’m posting less and less. Like you, I’m returning to email, phone and personal contact to sustain important relationships, and, because my art practice does not depend on sales, I’m thinking I will soon free myself from IG as well.
I haven’t quite caught on to Substack, but have enjoyed your entries. I recommend Samantha Clark’s Lifeboat page, which I started subscribing to after a residency on Orkney, neat her home, a couple of years ago
Thanks for your feedback Jenny.. It's comforting to hear from "like minds" . I agree-I truly got a kick out of it for quite a few years but lately -not so much! I think you have the right idea fine tuning your searches to just artists . I find the reels completely perplexing & nauseating -as they pop up when I am attempting to search for a person! I love the concept of going a bit retro too. Responses like yours affirm all that I believe in right now -Thanks so much!
Morning Heather, I just had a mini chat with my daughter today regarding her constant phone use and how it will encourage her young daughters to become major users once they receive their own phones. She's not a good role model, and she does admit to this...sigh. I don't use FB much, I have an account just to use Meta Business for posting on my IG account, I still scroll IG but I'm particular in who I follow and how much time I spend on the app. I don't use Tik Tok or Twitter. I read Substack each morning, this is where I have found my "tribe" so to speak. Artists whom I admire (mainly women) I subscribe to their newsletters, I really enjoy the long read. And, I don't start my day any longer by reading the news, it's simply too upsetting, sends a very negative vibe into my core being. Just so UGH! So, here I am with your post, waiting for my muffins to finish baking, getting ready to start my Sunday, it's sunny and warm, but not so hot. Lovely day!
Oh, I've also started writing more letters and cards, and friends actually reply via snail mail! Quite thrilling to receive a letter in the mailbox again :)
It is an interesting dialogue to have with your adult children isn't it? How wonderful that you broach it with your daughter too Nora!I have seen so much ill effects on children and teens from their largely unsupervised internet use (when I was working as a youth counsellor )and screen time. I have to question myself why I need to look so often and keep tabs on my posts and comments which always leads to other rabbit holes! It was my rationale that there are both people I know and don't have usual contact with that I must continue to follow and "like" ..Another train of thought was that perhaps it was necessary to keep present online for my art practice but my new thought is -nope -none of it is truly important at this juncture. The word timewaster comes to mind as well as mind numbing. Also good for you for not digging into news to begin your day. Its been an interesting bit of learning for me to pull back.
Heather- I really love the juxtaposition of the woman with the goose. There’s something both longing and elongating about the way both correspond without much touch. Beautiful!
I spend a lot of time in nature and in my studio. I also spend time weekly with my children & toddler grandson. Unfortunately, I don’t get to connect with other artists in-person. So social media is a way for me to do this. The social media interactions has led to Zoom calls and virtual studio visits with artists nationally and internationally. I enjoy it tremendously and it doesn’t cause my introverted self to the overwhelm, I’ve had in the past! I rarely interact with FB, unless it is to wish someone a happy birthday. I may post there once a month. I limit myself to 90 minutes total for the day for IG. I am rebuilding my newsletter email list, which I let lapsed for over a year due to family loss. I find social media to be problematic at best and disheartening most of the time! I keep myself on a strict schedule with it and still waiting on courage to write on Substack. Maybe…one day.
Hi indigene ! It seems like you strike a healthy balance with your online time and your time making art and spending time with loved ones and in nature ! I do understand the part about access to other artists online as a bonus too. I am so very grateful for all of my years cultivating connections with other artists online - and its only recently that I have felt a bit untethered with my own phone /social media scrolling. Facebook seems like a land of the lost to me now whereas there was a time that the content seemed to be purely what I wished it to be! Even now I do sincerely miss the messages between other artists and folks with the same political views as myself- but I recognise my predisposition to checking more often than is healthy. It's wonderful you have a newsletter email list ..and I would say that puts you in a perfect position for that first newsletter on Substack :-) I know you have something of value to say -and that you have some gorgeous art to post!
Even after the full offline weekend where I loved the time I had to write and read and connect with people face to face, I have struggled to keep up the intent of using my phone less now that I’m back online. I find it hardest during the work day when im not focused and it further challenges that. But I have had small successes and maybe that’s what I should focus on celebrating and expanding on instead of feeling like I can’t do it. I charge my phone in the kitchen and don’t look at it most nights from 8:30 on. Yesterday, I left it in the same spot and take the dog out without it - I took a small notebook to capture the things I would normally take a picture of. I left it there while I wrote and read and for the most part only picked it up to message a friend and look up a recipe.
I love that you have had small successes with your strategies to put the phone aside Jen . It seems like noticing how different you felt while away on your weekend has sparked the awareness of how the attention to the phone affects your days . I love that you also took a small notebook on your dog walk ! I believe all these intentional efforts are significant ! was beginning to believe my constant attention to the phone also was compromising my thinking process. I definitely felt jittery and compulsive -and did not think initially it was related to my phone use. A couple of years ago I read an excellent book by the author Johann Hari titled "Stolen Focus" . It is still relevant I feel. When I worked with youth 4 years ago I noticed an uptick in depression and anxiety amongst a broad spectrum of young clients I was working with. Since I have been retired from my nine to 5 job I have had longer periods of time to become distracted! I never imagined I would get pulled in like I have.
I also wonder if it is a higher draw because the way we communicate with each other typically now is via text, messages on insta and facebook -therefore we are always on alert for that next connection-even if its truly not important that we respond immediately. There is a pressure to keep up; stay informed. Thanks for your comments !
Thank you for yet another inspirational read Heather. I love the photo of your sunflowers. sigh... And I love your illustration of you! another sigh... Your writing and these comments are really speaking to something in me. I, too, spend too much time reading about the sadness in the world. I struggle with trying to continue being a witness to those who suffer and maintaining my inner peace. I struggle with everything you write about social media and trying to stay connected to cousins and nieces and nephews. After my morning of coffee and reading, I try to find something active to rid myself of my jittery uncomfortable feelings. I have not figured out a balance yet... I believe your words will help me get there.
Hi Jody..I'm guessing you and I have broached this topic before and it has caused me much soul searching of late. That balance of staying in touch with loved ones,old friends and not sliding into that vortex of doom and seductive info and imagery. I too wish to continue to be a witness -and not put my head in a hole but so many of my own (political ) posts seem to fall into emptiness -which makes me feel even worse knowing only a faithful few respond or seem to be be paying attention. (I am cheered by this in a small way however!)Something else that occured to me is that there are so many posts that come up where I do not know people very well but I seem to be drawn into their commentaries.. It almost feels voyeuristic as there is so little back and forth communication. I am deactivating facebook and pausing instagram -taking both off of my phone -so we shall see how it goes! the last few days I have not scrolled news (I can hear it on radio and find articles on Substack for now) If I am low on energy i will also avoid heavier articles until I'm up for it. Facebook is removed from my phone and I have stayed away from instagram - I'm hoping that people who genuinely like me and my art will make the effort to follow me here :-) Also my stomach acidity seems to have settled after that first strong coffee ;-) ..
So I hadn’t finished, and there are a few edits that should be made. Good to try and get back to our old ways of communicating after too long a time being bedazzled by tech. All best wishes to you, Heather.
I used to be an avid letter writer -and even enjoyed /enjoy longer form emails . Back to this practise feels healthy -and well ,human . Working at turning that dazzle down ! Thanks Jenny !
This essay really resonates with me. Social media was once a positive, bit is increasingly a curse. I deleted Fb from my phone a year ago and don’t miss it. I still find instagram useful to see posts from artists I admire, and to keep up with my children. But the intrusive advertising is increasingly annoying, and I’m posting less and less. Like you, I’m returning to email, phone and personal contact to sustain important relationships, and, because my art practice does not depend on sales, I’m thinking I will soon free myself from IG as well.
I haven’t quite caught on to Substack, but have enjoyed your entries. I recommend Samantha Clark’s Lifeboat page, which I started subscribing to after a residency on Orkney, neat her home, a couple of years ago
Thanks for your feedback Jenny.. It's comforting to hear from "like minds" . I agree-I truly got a kick out of it for quite a few years but lately -not so much! I think you have the right idea fine tuning your searches to just artists . I find the reels completely perplexing & nauseating -as they pop up when I am attempting to search for a person! I love the concept of going a bit retro too. Responses like yours affirm all that I believe in right now -Thanks so much!
Morning Heather, I just had a mini chat with my daughter today regarding her constant phone use and how it will encourage her young daughters to become major users once they receive their own phones. She's not a good role model, and she does admit to this...sigh. I don't use FB much, I have an account just to use Meta Business for posting on my IG account, I still scroll IG but I'm particular in who I follow and how much time I spend on the app. I don't use Tik Tok or Twitter. I read Substack each morning, this is where I have found my "tribe" so to speak. Artists whom I admire (mainly women) I subscribe to their newsletters, I really enjoy the long read. And, I don't start my day any longer by reading the news, it's simply too upsetting, sends a very negative vibe into my core being. Just so UGH! So, here I am with your post, waiting for my muffins to finish baking, getting ready to start my Sunday, it's sunny and warm, but not so hot. Lovely day!
Oh, I've also started writing more letters and cards, and friends actually reply via snail mail! Quite thrilling to receive a letter in the mailbox again :)
It is an interesting dialogue to have with your adult children isn't it? How wonderful that you broach it with your daughter too Nora!I have seen so much ill effects on children and teens from their largely unsupervised internet use (when I was working as a youth counsellor )and screen time. I have to question myself why I need to look so often and keep tabs on my posts and comments which always leads to other rabbit holes! It was my rationale that there are both people I know and don't have usual contact with that I must continue to follow and "like" ..Another train of thought was that perhaps it was necessary to keep present online for my art practice but my new thought is -nope -none of it is truly important at this juncture. The word timewaster comes to mind as well as mind numbing. Also good for you for not digging into news to begin your day. Its been an interesting bit of learning for me to pull back.
Heather- I really love the juxtaposition of the woman with the goose. There’s something both longing and elongating about the way both correspond without much touch. Beautiful!
Thank you so much for your kind comment Thalia
I spend a lot of time in nature and in my studio. I also spend time weekly with my children & toddler grandson. Unfortunately, I don’t get to connect with other artists in-person. So social media is a way for me to do this. The social media interactions has led to Zoom calls and virtual studio visits with artists nationally and internationally. I enjoy it tremendously and it doesn’t cause my introverted self to the overwhelm, I’ve had in the past! I rarely interact with FB, unless it is to wish someone a happy birthday. I may post there once a month. I limit myself to 90 minutes total for the day for IG. I am rebuilding my newsletter email list, which I let lapsed for over a year due to family loss. I find social media to be problematic at best and disheartening most of the time! I keep myself on a strict schedule with it and still waiting on courage to write on Substack. Maybe…one day.
Hi indigene ! It seems like you strike a healthy balance with your online time and your time making art and spending time with loved ones and in nature ! I do understand the part about access to other artists online as a bonus too. I am so very grateful for all of my years cultivating connections with other artists online - and its only recently that I have felt a bit untethered with my own phone /social media scrolling. Facebook seems like a land of the lost to me now whereas there was a time that the content seemed to be purely what I wished it to be! Even now I do sincerely miss the messages between other artists and folks with the same political views as myself- but I recognise my predisposition to checking more often than is healthy. It's wonderful you have a newsletter email list ..and I would say that puts you in a perfect position for that first newsletter on Substack :-) I know you have something of value to say -and that you have some gorgeous art to post!
Even after the full offline weekend where I loved the time I had to write and read and connect with people face to face, I have struggled to keep up the intent of using my phone less now that I’m back online. I find it hardest during the work day when im not focused and it further challenges that. But I have had small successes and maybe that’s what I should focus on celebrating and expanding on instead of feeling like I can’t do it. I charge my phone in the kitchen and don’t look at it most nights from 8:30 on. Yesterday, I left it in the same spot and take the dog out without it - I took a small notebook to capture the things I would normally take a picture of. I left it there while I wrote and read and for the most part only picked it up to message a friend and look up a recipe.
I love that you have had small successes with your strategies to put the phone aside Jen . It seems like noticing how different you felt while away on your weekend has sparked the awareness of how the attention to the phone affects your days . I love that you also took a small notebook on your dog walk ! I believe all these intentional efforts are significant ! was beginning to believe my constant attention to the phone also was compromising my thinking process. I definitely felt jittery and compulsive -and did not think initially it was related to my phone use. A couple of years ago I read an excellent book by the author Johann Hari titled "Stolen Focus" . It is still relevant I feel. When I worked with youth 4 years ago I noticed an uptick in depression and anxiety amongst a broad spectrum of young clients I was working with. Since I have been retired from my nine to 5 job I have had longer periods of time to become distracted! I never imagined I would get pulled in like I have.
I also wonder if it is a higher draw because the way we communicate with each other typically now is via text, messages on insta and facebook -therefore we are always on alert for that next connection-even if its truly not important that we respond immediately. There is a pressure to keep up; stay informed. Thanks for your comments !
Thank you for yet another inspirational read Heather. I love the photo of your sunflowers. sigh... And I love your illustration of you! another sigh... Your writing and these comments are really speaking to something in me. I, too, spend too much time reading about the sadness in the world. I struggle with trying to continue being a witness to those who suffer and maintaining my inner peace. I struggle with everything you write about social media and trying to stay connected to cousins and nieces and nephews. After my morning of coffee and reading, I try to find something active to rid myself of my jittery uncomfortable feelings. I have not figured out a balance yet... I believe your words will help me get there.
Hi Jody..I'm guessing you and I have broached this topic before and it has caused me much soul searching of late. That balance of staying in touch with loved ones,old friends and not sliding into that vortex of doom and seductive info and imagery. I too wish to continue to be a witness -and not put my head in a hole but so many of my own (political ) posts seem to fall into emptiness -which makes me feel even worse knowing only a faithful few respond or seem to be be paying attention. (I am cheered by this in a small way however!)Something else that occured to me is that there are so many posts that come up where I do not know people very well but I seem to be drawn into their commentaries.. It almost feels voyeuristic as there is so little back and forth communication. I am deactivating facebook and pausing instagram -taking both off of my phone -so we shall see how it goes! the last few days I have not scrolled news (I can hear it on radio and find articles on Substack for now) If I am low on energy i will also avoid heavier articles until I'm up for it. Facebook is removed from my phone and I have stayed away from instagram - I'm hoping that people who genuinely like me and my art will make the effort to follow me here :-) Also my stomach acidity seems to have settled after that first strong coffee ;-) ..
So I hadn’t finished, and there are a few edits that should be made. Good to try and get back to our old ways of communicating after too long a time being bedazzled by tech. All best wishes to you, Heather.
I used to be an avid letter writer -and even enjoyed /enjoy longer form emails . Back to this practise feels healthy -and well ,human . Working at turning that dazzle down ! Thanks Jenny !