This is great, Rachel, and resonates on many levels. I'm commenting on this several weeks late because I also took a major break over the summer! Re: your question "Do you feel overwhelmed, manipulated or duped by content?" Yes. And, what's more, when I turned 40, my algorithm decided that I must be deeply unsatisfied with my body/face/clothes/life and I started to get some very strange ads in my feed. Lots of fear-mongering. And names for facial wrinkles that I'd never heard of. It made me even more determined to reject these modes of thinking. I respond to content that is positive and affirming. So, yes, this all resonates! Glad you were able to take some time to rest.
Rachel - this resonates for so many right now. The overwhelm of information is very real for so many of my clients and it often results in feelings of inadequacy, guilt and shame. The pace at which so many people are trying to live and work and consume is simply not sustainable. And if we think it's bad among adults, try being a teen in this digital AI world. Mark my words: REST and STILLNESS and CONNECTION is what the world needs more of. Brands that can create that for consumers will win in the coming years in my humble opinion.
Oh, Michelle, I couldn't agree more! Having a young daughter myself, I often think about the culture she's being raised in, and what I can do to mitigate the effects of mainstream consumer culture and the future of AI. We need rest, stillness, and connection. These are not easily commodified, thus less appealing to businesses. But it's conscious entrepreneurs like YOU who are solving for this - figuring out how to build profitable businesses that lead us towards health and healing. Thank you for reading and sharing your POV. xx
By the sheer fact that I’ve just read your fantastic thoughts nearly one month late showcases how absolutely underwater with content I am.
As school has officially kicked off, I’ve stepped back to analyze deeper how I’m spending my time as I don’t seem to have sufficient time to write the fashion essay collection that just found a publisher, a monthly column for a magazine, fantastic steering committees at TB, etc. I only issue my substack 1-2x each month because, as with all my other works, I need time to sit and think. I think often about the quote, “Daydreaming incubates creative discovery” — I hope we can all allow ourselves more of this. It’s good for the work. And the soul.
Beautiful reflection, thank you for sharing it ✨ Im happy to heard that someone working on the industry of creating “content” is having a moment of observation about this. I do believe the issue isn’t the internet or the social media apps, is the relationship people have with them. If we don’t start taking responsibility for this and taking control of how we consume and create content/online products, the fatigue and the overwhelming of not having enough is gonna be there no matter what. “Everything stars with us”
When it comes to digital detox and the social media death scroll, for me, balance and moderation are key as it relates to consumption of anything. And both balance and moderation are a journey, not a destination. I've failed multiple times, and often find myself being the friend in the group who shares too many memes. Recognizing this is key.
1. I feel mostly overwhelmed, especially the fact that we have to keep up with so many different platforms and sources.
2. Very few of my purchases are impulse. I mostly buy when I go on vacation or even before I go on vacation as a little holiday prep. Sometimes I get strong desire from great advertising but I take too long to pull the trigger and the item loses its hype to me.
3. Definitely TikTok and short video content, which is good and bad. I love my daily dose of mindless scrolling and most of the time it does't drain me. Scrolling on instagram is another story... so daunting.
4. I don't think anyone feels that way. Doesn't matter the amount of gratitude you have, it's like you could always aim for more.. Again, it's hard to keep up with all platforms and trends and news, and feel like you have all you need.
I agree, Amanda. I don't think we're naturally wired to want what we already have. Desire is a stronger force than contentment. But desire is fleeting, fickle and ultimately insatiable. If we know this, do we begin to operate differently? Thank you for sharing your POV.
I cant keep up and then I feel guilty I am not reading the content I am paying for on top of all the other content / newsletters, podcasts, posts, stories. that come at you all day long! I fear it is getting worse as everyone has a substack now. In one household I know the Mother & each of her 2 daughters all have substacks they send me to subscribe to! How do you cut through on one side trying to get your POV out there and connect - and how to you not drown on the other?
I totally feel you. I look at the brands and creators who have cut through, and I see that their Substack is just one facet of their strategy, but the real conversation and community is happening in private chats behind the paywall. I think we're going to see growth in private, invite-only channels. This can include WhatsApp, Mighty Networks, and private channels within IG. Also, I think that creating more IRL experiences is important. These are smaller in scale, but richer in connection, and this is where loyalty is really built. As far as The Board is concerned - you're doing so many of these things already.
In terms of not drowning ourselves, well...I will say that I'm a ruthless editor. ;) I'm also an unapologetic scanner, especially with business publications. I just need to get the gist. And when something stops me in my tracks and really makes me think, I double down on that creator/publication.
Rachel, having followed you for many years, long before Substack, I see a common thread. Your original tagline was “Never Blend In” and here you describe how brands can be in the world, but not of it. You will serve them well, and with more soul, if you can help content creators in this. Just as oil and water are the basis for the most beautiful skin care products, even though they don’t completely coalesce, so your theme here may be the building blocks for content creators to go higher, better, brighter, while standing a bit above the fray. It’s a great reflection, and a fine place to plant your flag. Thank you.
I suppose I have always questioned mainstream thinking. Being willing to zig when others zag is a way to carve out your own identity in a sea of sameness. It takes courage and vision to take the alternate route, but it's often more authentic and interesting. There's a quote: "If you can see your path clearly in front of you, it's probably someone else's." Going your own way requires charting a new course. In the context of mainstream culture, it means daring to grow more slowly at first, but more authentically.
This is great, Rachel, and resonates on many levels. I'm commenting on this several weeks late because I also took a major break over the summer! Re: your question "Do you feel overwhelmed, manipulated or duped by content?" Yes. And, what's more, when I turned 40, my algorithm decided that I must be deeply unsatisfied with my body/face/clothes/life and I started to get some very strange ads in my feed. Lots of fear-mongering. And names for facial wrinkles that I'd never heard of. It made me even more determined to reject these modes of thinking. I respond to content that is positive and affirming. So, yes, this all resonates! Glad you were able to take some time to rest.
Rachel - this resonates for so many right now. The overwhelm of information is very real for so many of my clients and it often results in feelings of inadequacy, guilt and shame. The pace at which so many people are trying to live and work and consume is simply not sustainable. And if we think it's bad among adults, try being a teen in this digital AI world. Mark my words: REST and STILLNESS and CONNECTION is what the world needs more of. Brands that can create that for consumers will win in the coming years in my humble opinion.
Oh, Michelle, I couldn't agree more! Having a young daughter myself, I often think about the culture she's being raised in, and what I can do to mitigate the effects of mainstream consumer culture and the future of AI. We need rest, stillness, and connection. These are not easily commodified, thus less appealing to businesses. But it's conscious entrepreneurs like YOU who are solving for this - figuring out how to build profitable businesses that lead us towards health and healing. Thank you for reading and sharing your POV. xx
Love this. Thank you for the spark to ignite a deeper reflection, Rachel. And welcome back 🌱🤍✨
Thank you, Cecily. This will be a theme that I will continue to explore, and I look forward to hearing how it resonates with you.
By the sheer fact that I’ve just read your fantastic thoughts nearly one month late showcases how absolutely underwater with content I am.
As school has officially kicked off, I’ve stepped back to analyze deeper how I’m spending my time as I don’t seem to have sufficient time to write the fashion essay collection that just found a publisher, a monthly column for a magazine, fantastic steering committees at TB, etc. I only issue my substack 1-2x each month because, as with all my other works, I need time to sit and think. I think often about the quote, “Daydreaming incubates creative discovery” — I hope we can all allow ourselves more of this. It’s good for the work. And the soul.
Beautiful reflection, thank you for sharing it ✨ Im happy to heard that someone working on the industry of creating “content” is having a moment of observation about this. I do believe the issue isn’t the internet or the social media apps, is the relationship people have with them. If we don’t start taking responsibility for this and taking control of how we consume and create content/online products, the fatigue and the overwhelming of not having enough is gonna be there no matter what. “Everything stars with us”
When it comes to digital detox and the social media death scroll, for me, balance and moderation are key as it relates to consumption of anything. And both balance and moderation are a journey, not a destination. I've failed multiple times, and often find myself being the friend in the group who shares too many memes. Recognizing this is key.
To answer your questions:
1. I feel mostly overwhelmed, especially the fact that we have to keep up with so many different platforms and sources.
2. Very few of my purchases are impulse. I mostly buy when I go on vacation or even before I go on vacation as a little holiday prep. Sometimes I get strong desire from great advertising but I take too long to pull the trigger and the item loses its hype to me.
3. Definitely TikTok and short video content, which is good and bad. I love my daily dose of mindless scrolling and most of the time it does't drain me. Scrolling on instagram is another story... so daunting.
4. I don't think anyone feels that way. Doesn't matter the amount of gratitude you have, it's like you could always aim for more.. Again, it's hard to keep up with all platforms and trends and news, and feel like you have all you need.
I agree, Amanda. I don't think we're naturally wired to want what we already have. Desire is a stronger force than contentment. But desire is fleeting, fickle and ultimately insatiable. If we know this, do we begin to operate differently? Thank you for sharing your POV.
I cant keep up and then I feel guilty I am not reading the content I am paying for on top of all the other content / newsletters, podcasts, posts, stories. that come at you all day long! I fear it is getting worse as everyone has a substack now. In one household I know the Mother & each of her 2 daughters all have substacks they send me to subscribe to! How do you cut through on one side trying to get your POV out there and connect - and how to you not drown on the other?
I totally feel you. I look at the brands and creators who have cut through, and I see that their Substack is just one facet of their strategy, but the real conversation and community is happening in private chats behind the paywall. I think we're going to see growth in private, invite-only channels. This can include WhatsApp, Mighty Networks, and private channels within IG. Also, I think that creating more IRL experiences is important. These are smaller in scale, but richer in connection, and this is where loyalty is really built. As far as The Board is concerned - you're doing so many of these things already.
In terms of not drowning ourselves, well...I will say that I'm a ruthless editor. ;) I'm also an unapologetic scanner, especially with business publications. I just need to get the gist. And when something stops me in my tracks and really makes me think, I double down on that creator/publication.
Rachel, having followed you for many years, long before Substack, I see a common thread. Your original tagline was “Never Blend In” and here you describe how brands can be in the world, but not of it. You will serve them well, and with more soul, if you can help content creators in this. Just as oil and water are the basis for the most beautiful skin care products, even though they don’t completely coalesce, so your theme here may be the building blocks for content creators to go higher, better, brighter, while standing a bit above the fray. It’s a great reflection, and a fine place to plant your flag. Thank you.
I suppose I have always questioned mainstream thinking. Being willing to zig when others zag is a way to carve out your own identity in a sea of sameness. It takes courage and vision to take the alternate route, but it's often more authentic and interesting. There's a quote: "If you can see your path clearly in front of you, it's probably someone else's." Going your own way requires charting a new course. In the context of mainstream culture, it means daring to grow more slowly at first, but more authentically.