We are constantly being bombarded by information. We watch videos on YouTube, interact with friends on different social media websites, listen to podcasts on Spotify, read blogs on Medium and other platforms. I have 12 social media or messaging applications on my smartphone. 12! This does not include email, YouTube, and Spotify. Imagine how much information I consume every day. This may be the same in your case too.
Your actions are a consequence of your thoughts. Your thoughts are a consequence of what you consume.
And in the modern age, what you consume is largely a consequence of how you select and refine your social media feed.
Choose better inputs. Get better outputs.
— James Clear
When we choose to let social media companies decide our feed for us, we let them manipulate us. They try to maximize our time spent on their applications to maximize their revenue. Once you are hooked to the platform, it is easy to manipulate your views by gradually exposing you to the manipulative media.
Their algorithm works to capture your attention. It makes you want to come back to check for new content. This is harmful in the long run as it lowers your attention span and makes you less likely to
indulge in deep work.
When you take charge of your media feed, YOU decide who gets to influence your thoughts and not some tech company.