Regaining Control Over The Algorithm
Ayup! This one's a response to an article recently posted on Creative Boom; Is social media over for creatives? Or have we just woken up to what it is? It made me feel a little bit sad. Platforms that were once thriving, social and enjoyable have mostly become desolate and hostile.
We're all fully aware of the decline in value that mainstream social media brings. At the same time, however, many creative folks simply accept that this is how it is. We show up, post, engage, network, repeat.
Often, a sense of dread and unease leads to obsessive, relentless behaviour. It's hard out there. Freelancers and business owners rarely know where their next invoice payment is coming from. I know this feeling all too well, but social media is certainly not the answer.
This raises the question; if nobody's getting any work from social media any more, why succumb to the algorithm?
Because visibility of our posts is so unpredictable, we have to scream louder in order to be heard. We have to game the algorithm. Be more “authentic”, be more “vulnerable”. We have to care more about the algorithm than the people we are trying to reach.
Algorithm Intolerant
Social media is in dire need of a factory reset. While that's never going to happen, the platforms you use are entirely under your control. Reframing the entire purpose helps welcome the need for change.
What is the point, really? At the very core, social media is about connecting with like-minded people. Although we've been conditioned by greedy corporations to take on the algorithm, it doesn't have to be this way. Step up, the Fediverse.
Platforms like Mastodon (Twitter alternative) and Pixelfed (Instagram alternative) do away with reach limiting algorithms. There are no ads, and your timeline is in chronological order. They're not designed to keep you hooked, nor are they in any way about making money from you.
The Fediverse has alternative options to everything from Facebook to YouTube. Some are more polished than others, but all are algorithm free. Mastodon is usually the best starting point. Both the desktop version and mobile apps are as good, if not superior to any of the mainstream services. That said, the Android app is much more enjoyable to use than the iPhone version.
Algorithm fatigue describes the phenomenon where users experience mental and emotional exhaustion in prolonged interaction with algorithms.
Key differences
Despite most Fediverse apps replicating the mainstream alternatives, there are some pretty significant differences. You might be glad to know that things are a lot calmer. Here's a concise overview of what to expect.
1. The people are nicer
The Fediverse primarily attracts an amazing group of people. They're super-friendly and welcoming. In my years on Mastodon, I've not witnessed a single toxic post, comment or user.
2. There may be fewer people you know in real life
One thing to consider is that there might not be as many people you know in real life on the Fediverse. For some, this is a bonus, for others, it might be seen as a negative. Either way, it's quick and easy to get to know folks who are into what you're into.
3. It's not the place for sales or marketing
Generally speaking, sales and marketing posts on the Fediverse go down like a lead balloon. It's really not the place for that, nor should it be. If you're an artist or photographer, however, mentioning and linking to your print shop every now and again seems to be more than welcome.
4. You won't see many brands or businesses
Big brands don't tend to hang out on Mastodon or Pixelfed. Again, this could definitely be considered an advantage. There's no shortage of media outlets, blogs, studios, freelancers and business owners, but don't expect to bump into Coca-Cola, Apple or Fujifilm.
5. It can be more technical (but doesn't have to be)
The Fediverse has a reputation for being slightly technical. It can be, but there are also easy options for simpletons like me. Signing up to Mastodon is as straightforward as registering an account on a server of your choice.
The Join Mastodon page will guide you through the process.
Many consumers now actively resist recommendations, disengage from platforms, or mute their digital environments to escape algorithmic overload. Consumers crave autonomy, creativity, and genuine human connection in an increasingly homogenised world.
All roads lead to your website
Lastly, when I posted the Creative Boom article on Mastodon, a couple of folks mentioned the value of a personal website. As a creative, however you use social media, it should always lead back to something you have full control over.
I feel there is a growing shift back to personal websites where you have control and which can’t be brought by fascist billionaires.
While I have every faith in the Fediverse, no social platform is invincible. Change is both perpetual and inevitable. Sometimes it's for the better, sometimes it's for the worse.
No matter what happens out there, your own website, blog or newsletter provides a long-term, stable home for your work. Self-hosted WordPress is my personal recommendation.
Algorithm fatigue/overload? Take action
Ultimately, this post boils down to one thing; realising that social media is completely pointless when it comes to finding work. If your results on social platforms don't justify the time and effort, you're not the only one. That ship sailed a long time ago.
Instead, we can revert back to using these online spaces as they were originally intended; to mingle, socialise and interact with like-minded hooman beans. And yeah, we don't need an algorithm for that.
Mastodon and Pixelfed provide a calmer, saner social media experience. No ads. No algorithm. Chronological feeds. What's not to love? If detaching yourself from the corporate, mainstream chaos is on your to-do list this year, I'll hopefully see you over on the Fediverse.
