I've been thinking a lot about this too, and am currently reading Kyle Chaka's book that gets at this! It's called Filterworld: How Algorithms Flattened Culture, I think you'd enjoy it! Lmk if you pick it up, I need more people to talk about this with haha
SO many gems in here—and something I've been grappling with lately as one of my ghostwriting clients LOVES to mimic things that are trending vs. really finding their own voice. You articulate the nuances perfectly; so glad you finally hit "publish."
(This line on repeat, btw: "This spreads out the weight of public approval so it doesn’t dominate your self perception. We just need habits that make space for thoughtfulness." 🔥)
Aw, thank you! I was just rereading it and cringing at a few spots where the structure could’ve been sharper. Ah, well! Lately I’ve been so inundated with noise everywhere that I’ve ended up spending more time offline than doomscrolling. The feed just hasn’t been nourishing, and if anything, I feel more exhausted reading the same generic platitudes on repeat. It’d be so much more interesting if posts weren’t so painfully predictable. Thanks for reading always!
Offline > doomscrolling, always and forever. (I'm guilty of succumbing to the "let's follow this predictable pattern bc I want the post to perform well, too—don't get me wrong. But I LOVE how you're leading with authenticity on LinkedIn (and here!), and hopefully you feel that mirrored back!)
Confession: the number of times I’ve trimmed or shaped my thoughts so it’s more algo-acceptable is infinite!
It’s likely why I tend to be more consistent with my substack (and maybe even like it more than my LinkedIn) — I’m more ME there. It’s more my voice than anything else.
And I’ve yet to figure out how to let out more of my voice on my LinkedIn. And yess, this is despite being there for over 2 years 🤓🙈
I mean there’s a reason Twitter was so much better haha.
Honestly sometimes, I feel like you post stuff, and it perfectly articulates how I've been feeling without me even realising THAT's how I've been feeling.
This hits so hard.
Lately I've been at war with myself on Linkedin with confirming vs standing out. Ie the need to fit in vs being unique, and trying not to fall into the trap of losing myself in the pledge of vanity metrics.
Because it's so easy to feel disheartened when I write for myself, something raw and real, something I'm proud of. And a tiny part of me is still seeking approval... but I'm still proud regardless.
But then... crickets... no one cares. Or worse... some irrelevant ai drivel.
Then later you post some ridiculous 1 min meme (nothing against memes I love them) but everyone starts hailing your graces.
Anyway THIS post and your authority complex post both really inspired me.
I joined substack just to leave you this comment and share the love because I have officialyl become a die hard fan.
“And the much to obvious truth: social platforms are designed against you. They’re engineered to amplify extremes because extremes generate engagement.” ——- DING DING DING. YUP!!!!!!!!!!!
This is the type of post I love reading! 1. The title is absolutely fabulous. Clicked instantly. 2. You bring up excellent points that I often face when it comes to "toeing certain lines" (FYI, love the idea of "brand range" versus "brand line."
That's why my not-so-hot-take of using your "public self" to share stories, knowing that you're not everyone's cup of tea, is perfectly okay. Find the freedom to experiment. Act with integrity, see what works, discard what doesn't, and pivot when necessary. You don't have to try to do everything to be seen.
Hot take: I will read anything you post.
Sirrrrrrrr 🩷💛
I've been thinking a lot about this too, and am currently reading Kyle Chaka's book that gets at this! It's called Filterworld: How Algorithms Flattened Culture, I think you'd enjoy it! Lmk if you pick it up, I need more people to talk about this with haha
*Immediately adds to cart!*
Just read it once will read again glad you posted it
Sooo sad that I missed your trip to the big apple!
SO many gems in here—and something I've been grappling with lately as one of my ghostwriting clients LOVES to mimic things that are trending vs. really finding their own voice. You articulate the nuances perfectly; so glad you finally hit "publish."
(This line on repeat, btw: "This spreads out the weight of public approval so it doesn’t dominate your self perception. We just need habits that make space for thoughtfulness." 🔥)
Aw, thank you! I was just rereading it and cringing at a few spots where the structure could’ve been sharper. Ah, well! Lately I’ve been so inundated with noise everywhere that I’ve ended up spending more time offline than doomscrolling. The feed just hasn’t been nourishing, and if anything, I feel more exhausted reading the same generic platitudes on repeat. It’d be so much more interesting if posts weren’t so painfully predictable. Thanks for reading always!
Offline > doomscrolling, always and forever. (I'm guilty of succumbing to the "let's follow this predictable pattern bc I want the post to perform well, too—don't get me wrong. But I LOVE how you're leading with authenticity on LinkedIn (and here!), and hopefully you feel that mirrored back!)
Your writing has a unique voice! Love it so muchhhh. And thanks for inspiring my next post too..so much to take away from this.
This is the highest compliment! Thank you so much, Sara.
Aww love eettt!🥰
It was the Taylor Swift “hot takes” that sent you over the edge, wasn’t it? I love reading your musings!
LOL if a man talks shit then I owe him nothing.
But in all seriousness, it was definitely a source of inspiration.
Confession: the number of times I’ve trimmed or shaped my thoughts so it’s more algo-acceptable is infinite!
It’s likely why I tend to be more consistent with my substack (and maybe even like it more than my LinkedIn) — I’m more ME there. It’s more my voice than anything else.
And I’ve yet to figure out how to let out more of my voice on my LinkedIn. And yess, this is despite being there for over 2 years 🤓🙈
I mean there’s a reason Twitter was so much better haha.
Honestly sometimes, I feel like you post stuff, and it perfectly articulates how I've been feeling without me even realising THAT's how I've been feeling.
This hits so hard.
Lately I've been at war with myself on Linkedin with confirming vs standing out. Ie the need to fit in vs being unique, and trying not to fall into the trap of losing myself in the pledge of vanity metrics.
Because it's so easy to feel disheartened when I write for myself, something raw and real, something I'm proud of. And a tiny part of me is still seeking approval... but I'm still proud regardless.
But then... crickets... no one cares. Or worse... some irrelevant ai drivel.
Then later you post some ridiculous 1 min meme (nothing against memes I love them) but everyone starts hailing your graces.
Anyway THIS post and your authority complex post both really inspired me.
I joined substack just to leave you this comment and share the love because I have officialyl become a die hard fan.
“And the much to obvious truth: social platforms are designed against you. They’re engineered to amplify extremes because extremes generate engagement.” ——- DING DING DING. YUP!!!!!!!!!!!
this is such a fantastic post
This is the type of post I love reading! 1. The title is absolutely fabulous. Clicked instantly. 2. You bring up excellent points that I often face when it comes to "toeing certain lines" (FYI, love the idea of "brand range" versus "brand line."
That's why my not-so-hot-take of using your "public self" to share stories, knowing that you're not everyone's cup of tea, is perfectly okay. Find the freedom to experiment. Act with integrity, see what works, discard what doesn't, and pivot when necessary. You don't have to try to do everything to be seen.