In a world where digital platforms increasingly dictate the flow of information, one individual has chosen to step back from the cacophony of social media. This decision comes amidst a backdrop of escalating global tensions and controversial leadership. The author recently purchased a new edition of Rose Macaulay's 1918 feminist sci-fi fable, "What Not," from Handheld Press, receiving a personalized thank-you from the publisher. This simple transaction contrasts sharply with the digital chaos surrounding them.
Recently, Los Angeles was engulfed in flames as the author filed their last column, highlighting the environmental crises that parallel online turmoil. Meanwhile, Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg removed restrictions on neo-fascist misinformation, further blurring the lines between fact and fiction. Alarmingly, the United States threatened military action against Canada and Greenland, while public figures such as Elon Musk and Jordan Peterson controversially declared Tommy Robinson the new Nelson Mandela.
The political atmosphere remains contentious, with the upcoming U.S. presidency marred by allegations of sexual misconduct, although the candidate in question remains free from felony convictions. Against this tumultuous backdrop, the author reflects on two decades of patronage to Amazon and its role in shaping consumer habits.
A personal anecdote adds another layer to this narrative. The author's friend once faced a rat infestation in her apartment, never seeing the rodents but living amidst their presence—a metaphor for unseen digital influences in our lives. Similarly, the author opened a Facebook account years ago to find a lost cat but chose to permanently close it last week, severing ties with a platform they view as a purveyor of misinformation.
Their journey through digital spaces included Twitter, initially joined to follow archaeology, art, and jazz feeds. However, dissatisfaction with the platform led them to switch to Bluesky at the start of the year. This transition underscores a growing disillusionment with traditional social media giants.
The author's personal history reveals a long-standing awareness of digital pitfalls. Two decades ago, their BNP-voting aunt forwarded an Islamophobic tract, justifying it with, "Never mind," she said, "I still think it makes a lot of good points." This incident foreshadowed the rise of misinformation that now permeates online discourse.
Current statistics paint a concerning picture: one in five British adults aged 28-44 reportedly prefer a dictatorship over democracy. Such sentiments reflect broader societal frustrations and underscore the impact of digital narratives on public opinion.
The author contends that social media companies like Facebook, Twitter, and Amazon TV propagate falsehoods and distort reality. They view figures like Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Jeff Bezos as architects of this altered reality, encouraging individuals to disconnect from their influence.