Chasing the Joy of Social Media Past

At one point, I think it is fair to say that I was known as a social media trailblazer. I say that with my eyes firmly and fully rolled, but, keep in mind, that it was within the Presbyterian Church (USA) where it is not all that hard to be considered a trailblazer, technological or otherwise :-)

Kidding people. Ish.

In any case, I will say, that after writing the digital book The Definitive-ish Guide to Social Media and the Church (out of “print”) over a decade ago, facilitating live worship services on Twitter, being the first Moderator of the PC(USA) to fully embrace social media, and leading a new church that integrated social media as a way of life, I do think I and others helped move the technological needle just a bit.

At this point in my life, I am no longer that guy. I had a brief technology resurgence during the pandemic but, at this point, I can only speak as a wandering practitioner and curious observer: a mid-50s, m-list author, and frequent interactor with churches and organizations. Most of my social media life revolves around personal instinct and trusting others who are paid to engage their communities online. I also try to stay engaged with folks, so it does not become solely a vehicle for self-promotion, shallow personal interaction, and political hot takes.

Sometimes it is just too much change. I must have pulled my “early adopter” muscle a few miles back, because, TBH, I am fighting the #BackInMyDay urge. Social media has changed and become less fulfilling and fun. Still, I am wise enough to know that just because social media culture has changed for me, it doesn't mean it can’t be meaningful to others — or that a new season of joy may be around the bend.

I am not so sure.

It seems that the days of building a larger community via social media platforms are over. Yes, large-scale organizing happens, and some smaller niche groups and particular friendships are always possible. In the early days of Myspace, Twitter, and even Facebook, we were drawn in by curiosity and willing to extend grace to one another. We were also more willing to share the fullness of our humanity — but not so much now. It feels as if social media has become a more confined space and less expansive experience.

My biggest example is that when something big was going on: a political debate, a cultural moment, or an institutional gathering, we all knew that the place to be was Twitter. Even if you only opened Twitter once a year, that was the default location for our ongoing interaction and connection.

That kind of space no longer exists.
I was not perfect, but I do miss it.
Cue funeral dirge.

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These days, getting to know people and issues outside our regular circle of connections is difficult. Instagram wants to limit political content, FB is for old people like me, and other platforms do not seem to have the critical mass to be much other than thought and culture reinforcement silos.

If I had to point to a major culprit, it would be the Algorithm Army and our unwitting participation in involuntary information and profile selectivity. We have to work even harder to explore areas of interest, meet new people, and otherwise break free of the boundaries driven by advertisers. Sure, the algorithms have always been around, and there are times that I have appreciated them. Now, though, I have suspicions about whatever or whoever pops on my screen that I did not intentionally follow or request. Sidebar: I love hiding ads on IG and marking them irrelevant.

It’s all so exhausting, and, honestly, there are days when it would be great to completely opt out. The thing is, I have to survive in this capitalistic system, and the socials are still helpful in sharing my work. I also like staying up to date on the lives of friends. We all have our reasons, but should one decide to stay engaged on the socials, we are presented with a mishmash of options we must manage.

Over the past few years, especially since Twitter began its downfall, I have bounced around a bit, chasing that tender space between being a “public figure” and someone people know personally. I have signed up for most of them (I am still “breyeschow” on all the spaces), but none has filled the void of old Twitter.

I have not given up, I am still playing around, trying new spaces, etc., so here is where I am currently most active:

Instagram:

Instagram has been an interesting animal. I used to enjoy it because I am so visual, but the increased influencer vibe is not always great. (I know I have to thread that needle very carefully.) I do get much of my news via Instagram and still try to share the fullness of my humanity by sharing not only political and vocational content but also puppies, food, and life. So yes, you will get all of me! You have been warned again :-)

• Main Pro: I still like the pretty pictures :-) Plus, it is how I have connected with other activists and people trying to improve the world.
• Main Con: It takes more work to see the content you want to see and share the content you want to share. The algorithms are terrible here, so much so that I have stopped focusing on reaching analytics.
• My Variable: I use mine as a business platform where that business happens to be me. I also make it a point to turn on notifications and comment or DM in response to personal events in other people’s lives, so my feed stays as personal as possible.

Facebook:

Facebook has changed quite a bit over the years, and it is the least enjoyable for me. At this point, it is a place to connect with people I have interacted with over the years, a depository for memories, a marketplace for my current vocation as a writer, and a place to keep receipts for people's past actions.

• Main Pro: While some platforms can feel distant and disconnected, this is where a reaction or word can remind us that we are seen in times of celebration or crisis. The love is real and the prime reason I stay.
• Main Con: Not only is a ton of content being suppressed, but this is where colleagues and acquaintances overestimate friendship and familiarity. The love is assumed and, at times, does not feel worth it.
• My Variable: I engage on my Profile (pro) and Page (con) differently. I use my Page for politics, self-promotion, and the occasional personal update. I also let people be a little more feisty there. On my profile, you get everything personal and random in my life.

Threads:

I am still not sold on Threads, but it seems to be where many are ending up. I have seen some folks comment that it is a better space for them, but I am still waiting for the sign that this is the place for me.

• Main Pro: So far, the interactions have been pretty good, and I have found some new and engaging people to learn from.
• Main Con: I have not found my groove in connecting with folks. Again, could be my content itself, the algorithms, or a combination of both, but very few of my updates have garnered much interaction.
• My Variable: Now that Buffer has added Threads to its list of platforms, I will be posting more regularly there, so maybe that will help. The jury is still out on the Threads.

BlueSky:

If, for me, the jury is out on Threads, the jury has not even received their summons on BlueSky. I just got back on after finally leaving X, so I am giving it a go.

• Main Pro: So far, while few, the interactions have been pleasant. These are mostly with people I already knew.
• Main Con: I wish there was a more robust way to find people to follow. I have used some of the features, but either people are not on BlueSky, or I can’t find them. I suspect it will happen, but we shall see.
• My Variable: Like Threads, now that Buffer has added BlueSky to its list of platforms I will be more active in my posting and hoped for interaction.

Be.real (mobile only):

This is my favorite one for personal use.

• Main Pro: Controlled content sharing, one, two, and sometimes a few more pictures are shared. While I will sometimes save my be.real for something that I know is coming up, for the most part, there very little stylizing.
• Main Con: While I assume this is intentional, I have struggled to find people to connect with. Again, probably good, but sometimes frustrating. Also, the ads are starting to increase, so . . .
• My Variable: Be.real is a place to share what’s happening at the moment, so there is little space to think too strategically about posting. I like that. If I know you, feel free to connect, but you may have to message me if I fail to accept, as I probably don’t remember :-)

While I find LinkedIn earnest enough to post and check in occasionally, these are the spaces where I hang out the most. Feel free to connect on any or all if we have not already done so.

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Okay, that’s where I am amid all the social media changes. I fully expect to shift again in the future because it is clear that none of these platforms is meant to last forever. That said, if you are an organization or individual that is trying to build up your engagement and presence, here are three things that, IMNSHO, have not changed:

1. Terrible graphics are still terrible. Please ensure you have someone who can help you create graphics that will help share your message and not detract from it.
2. Genuine interaction is the most effective algorithm thwarter. Take the time to interact without expectation of reciprocity,
3. Consistency is still key to ongoing visibility. Resist the urge to base success on a small sample size or post haphazardly. Come up with an achievable pattern and then stick to it. Again, Buffer is what I use.
4. Good content is still good content. It seems obvious, but I get distracted by all the pretty things and forget to write words to share. Whatever you believe is worth sharing demands prioritization, attention, and care.

BONUS ADVICE:

If you are an organization or individual who wants to have the best chance at sidestepping the algorithm, don’t sleep on your mailing list. This is the best way to get what you want in front of the people who have said they want to see it. I was using MadMimi, but with that service closing, I am migrating to Brevo in the Fall.

.Okay, that’s it for now. I will be back soon, and I look forward to connecting on the socials — whichever one that may be.