Yes! There are so many stats and reports out there that prove email is king. I think the other issue with social media (that you did touch on) is the mindset that most people have when they're on social media. They're mindlessly scrolling, looking for distractions and quick dopamine hits. They're not really engaged. Whereas I think your mindset changes when you're checking your emails. It feels more serious, because you know your inbox has important information. This is just my own little theory, but it supports why people tend to shop more from emails.
Email is still the number one most effective way to get a message in front of people. Of course, one needs a bit of finesse and skill…thanks for reading!
It's funny that whenever an expert says this quiet part out loud (is it still the quiet part?), there's a lot of thrash and hand-wringing that goes on for a while. There's a little struggle, maybe even a hand or two shoots out of the hole...then the algorithm swallows them back up.
In my personal experience, social media has been effective at getting me to realize my introvertive nature is one that needs to be used more effectively for what I want to say.
Algorithms are like invisible hands that creep into you and turn you into puppet that starts saying whatever is popular at the moment. The more you are consumed by it, the less you seem to have to say that comes from you.
It's easy to get attention when you say what it wants you to say, but it's virtually impossible to keep it if you don't. 😁
And yes, this is a wonderful post, Maryan (as usual).
I think the key to reducing that kind of thing from happening is less consumption of it and sharing your thoughts before scrolling.
There's a funny little validation engine that keeps running in the back of your mind when you hesitate, even for a second, before blurting out whatever you have.
Overcoming that urge to search for a safe position is the first step towards sharing your voice.
Exactly right, Vince "Algorithms are like invisible hands that creep into you and turn you into puppet that starts saying whatever is popular at the moment. The more you are consumed by it, the less you seem to have to say that comes from you."
Yes, yes, a thousand times YES to this post! It validates my 2025 goal of spending less time on social media, which is becoming my reality. I enjoy Substack notes for the personal connection.
I agree. About a year ago, I resigned from almost all social media with the exception of Facebook because I have some really worthwhile groups there —some I manage, some I just participate in. Otherwise, I’d shut FB off, too. And I do not miss the rest of the social media time suck.
Great post. I wish we'd see more like it, but I never do. Never.
I don't do any social media aside from the very occasional BlueSky post. I still do too many Substack Notes, which have a social media vibe. In my defense, they were once effective for me and they still are for some people who've figured out how to make the enshitificatied algorithm happy.
I'll probably keep doing them just because they're easy and I'm here a lot.
Yes! There are so many stats and reports out there that prove email is king. I think the other issue with social media (that you did touch on) is the mindset that most people have when they're on social media. They're mindlessly scrolling, looking for distractions and quick dopamine hits. They're not really engaged. Whereas I think your mindset changes when you're checking your emails. It feels more serious, because you know your inbox has important information. This is just my own little theory, but it supports why people tend to shop more from emails.
God bless you 🙏
Email is still the number one most effective way to get a message in front of people. Of course, one needs a bit of finesse and skill…thanks for reading!
It's funny that whenever an expert says this quiet part out loud (is it still the quiet part?), there's a lot of thrash and hand-wringing that goes on for a while. There's a little struggle, maybe even a hand or two shoots out of the hole...then the algorithm swallows them back up.
In my personal experience, social media has been effective at getting me to realize my introvertive nature is one that needs to be used more effectively for what I want to say.
Algorithms are like invisible hands that creep into you and turn you into puppet that starts saying whatever is popular at the moment. The more you are consumed by it, the less you seem to have to say that comes from you.
It's easy to get attention when you say what it wants you to say, but it's virtually impossible to keep it if you don't. 😁
And yes, this is a wonderful post, Maryan (as usual).
Gosh, the puppet comparison is spot on! You nailed the biggest issue. SM creates a world of very little diversity in opinion or expression.
I think the key to reducing that kind of thing from happening is less consumption of it and sharing your thoughts before scrolling.
There's a funny little validation engine that keeps running in the back of your mind when you hesitate, even for a second, before blurting out whatever you have.
Overcoming that urge to search for a safe position is the first step towards sharing your voice.
Thanks for your add, Teodora!
I've built a much better community since I let go of X and the rest of them. People who join me now do it because they're interested in the topic!
Exactly right, Vince "Algorithms are like invisible hands that creep into you and turn you into puppet that starts saying whatever is popular at the moment. The more you are consumed by it, the less you seem to have to say that comes from you."
Yes, yes, a thousand times YES to this post! It validates my 2025 goal of spending less time on social media, which is becoming my reality. I enjoy Substack notes for the personal connection.
I agree. About a year ago, I resigned from almost all social media with the exception of Facebook because I have some really worthwhile groups there —some I manage, some I just participate in. Otherwise, I’d shut FB off, too. And I do not miss the rest of the social media time suck.
I do enjoy the Facebook groups.
Great post. I wish we'd see more like it, but I never do. Never.
I don't do any social media aside from the very occasional BlueSky post. I still do too many Substack Notes, which have a social media vibe. In my defense, they were once effective for me and they still are for some people who've figured out how to make the enshitificatied algorithm happy.
I'll probably keep doing them just because they're easy and I'm here a lot.
Did I mention that this is a great post?
Keep writing your Notes, they’re fun to read. And thank you.
Thanks! :-)