I find myself drafting this on a screen, in a room alone, hoping someone reads it and reaches back. That's the paradox of writing about digital loneliness online. What's your version of it?
Claudia, you say, “It’s a paradox that social media feels so lonely, even though it’s a web of human thoughts—a collective brain carved by algorithmic neural paths.”
I think the pertinent part of your statement is “…a collective brain carved by algorithmic neural paths.” The excitement was palpable in the early days of the Web and other aspects of digital content (e.g., hyperlinks), when it was hoped—assumed?—that this tech would expand communication and social connections. Alas, in the words of the great Cory Doctorow, this has been “enshittified” by unregulated and rapacious business interests that seek to extract as much money as possible from captured participants, typically through advertisement revenue. Or should I say “audiences,” since the ad-driven algorithms remove the social connection function and substitute ephemeral distraction and cortisol-spiking conflict that builds an ad-consuming audience.
There certainly is a loneliness epidemic and the causes for it are no doubt many, but an amazing human achievement in interpersonal communication called the Internet has been monopolized for value extraction to shareholders in yet another another blow against the concept and practice of The Commons.
Thanks for your work with There is Hope and your experiment in Substack as a fiction publication platform. I’m following your efforts closely, especially considering my own four-book climate fiction series and my ongoing frustration with the state of trade publishing today.
The Steep Climes Quartet has the third book on pre-order, with a publication date of June 15. Hopefully the project will be done by Summer 2027. Of course, the work continues if sales are a goal, but that is it's own challenge. I'd love to talk with you about your Substack experience. Perhaps a Zoom chat? I can send my contact info through Substack message. I'm off now to visit a bookstore called "Books and Cake." Sounds lovely, right?
I haven't read the whole post because I haven't paid for the upgrade - Your thesis - "The more we want to be connected, the lonelier we get." is such an interesting claim - that I may use it as a debating point for my GED students. 1. Who is we? And has the author done enough research to support representing we? - and 2. How do you measure lonelier? Maybe you covered those 2 points in the piece? - Anyways, good luck with the novel. - cheers D.
The post is free. My thesis is that the more we want to get connected in the online world via our digital devices the lonelier we get because connecting to the internet requires us to be alone in front of our devices. You picked a line out of context and you’re free to do whatever you want but it’s not what I’m saying.
I find myself drafting this on a screen, in a room alone, hoping someone reads it and reaches back. That's the paradox of writing about digital loneliness online. What's your version of it?
Claudia, you say, “It’s a paradox that social media feels so lonely, even though it’s a web of human thoughts—a collective brain carved by algorithmic neural paths.”
I think the pertinent part of your statement is “…a collective brain carved by algorithmic neural paths.” The excitement was palpable in the early days of the Web and other aspects of digital content (e.g., hyperlinks), when it was hoped—assumed?—that this tech would expand communication and social connections. Alas, in the words of the great Cory Doctorow, this has been “enshittified” by unregulated and rapacious business interests that seek to extract as much money as possible from captured participants, typically through advertisement revenue. Or should I say “audiences,” since the ad-driven algorithms remove the social connection function and substitute ephemeral distraction and cortisol-spiking conflict that builds an ad-consuming audience.
There certainly is a loneliness epidemic and the causes for it are no doubt many, but an amazing human achievement in interpersonal communication called the Internet has been monopolized for value extraction to shareholders in yet another another blow against the concept and practice of The Commons.
Thanks for your work with There is Hope and your experiment in Substack as a fiction publication platform. I’m following your efforts closely, especially considering my own four-book climate fiction series and my ongoing frustration with the state of trade publishing today.
Hi David, thank you for taking the time to leave such a thoughtful reply. The internet as the digital commons should be the future.
Writing fiction on Substack is exciting but I would also like to try other modes of publishing in the future. How is your series going?
The Steep Climes Quartet has the third book on pre-order, with a publication date of June 15. Hopefully the project will be done by Summer 2027. Of course, the work continues if sales are a goal, but that is it's own challenge. I'd love to talk with you about your Substack experience. Perhaps a Zoom chat? I can send my contact info through Substack message. I'm off now to visit a bookstore called "Books and Cake." Sounds lovely, right?
Thanks for the offer. I don't do video calls, but feel free to send your questions via email.
I haven't read the whole post because I haven't paid for the upgrade - Your thesis - "The more we want to be connected, the lonelier we get." is such an interesting claim - that I may use it as a debating point for my GED students. 1. Who is we? And has the author done enough research to support representing we? - and 2. How do you measure lonelier? Maybe you covered those 2 points in the piece? - Anyways, good luck with the novel. - cheers D.
The post is free. My thesis is that the more we want to get connected in the online world via our digital devices the lonelier we get because connecting to the internet requires us to be alone in front of our devices. You picked a line out of context and you’re free to do whatever you want but it’s not what I’m saying.
Got it - definitely a paradox. cheers.
Thanks for taking the time to engage with my ideas.
No worries! I have a story called Stars and Humans I think you’ll enjoy it cheers!