About This Conversation
Denise is frustrated by the gatekeeping she sees in traditional publishing, particularly the expectation that an aspiring author must arrive with an enormous social-media platform. To her, that requirement elevates marketability over ideas and asks writers to prove they can sell a book before anyone determines whether the book is worth reading.
Tim sees a larger danger in treating follower counts as evidence of credibility. Someone may build an audience in one area and then be granted authority in another where they have no expertise. Meanwhile, creators with valuable stories and ideas may remain unheard because they do not know—or do not want—to perform for an algorithm.
The conversation eventually turns from creators to all of us. Social media was built to connect people, but much of our participation has become passive consumption. Denise and Tim consider how we might move beyond the like button, complete the feedback loop, and consume more real life.
Listen to this conversation
Big Idea
Numbers can measure reach, but they cannot measure relationship.
A like may acknowledge that something passed through our feed. Connection begins when we tell another person what their words, art, story, or presence made us think, feel, remember, or do.
Around Your Table
Carry the conversation into your own life.
What does your social-media feed contain: people you love, ideas you value, or brands trying to sell you something?
When did you last tell someone specifically how their work affected you?
Have online numbers ever made you feel more—or less—valuable?
Whose voice do you trust online, and what has earned that trust?
What information or entertainment would be difficult for you to access without social media?
How could you consume more real life this week?
Keepsake
“Your voice has to be out there, but you also have to find the audience willing to listen and close the feedback loop.”
Continue Exploring
The next time something resonates with you, move beyond the like button. Complete one of these sentences:
“What you shared made me think about…”
“What you shared made me feel…”
“Because of what you shared, I’m going to…”
Send the response to the creator or share the work with someone who would find it meaningful.
