Life on the internet is real life. They are not separate. They affect each other, they inform the actions in each sphere, and how we operate in both matters.
We may operate differently, interact differently, and consume differently online, but our interactions have lasting effects on our lives outside the internet.
Social Media’s business model is built on the connection between the digital and physical. Ads and influencers have to directly correlate with the increased sales of products, services, and ideas (this one is the most troubling) for them to be worth the investment.
I believe it was Jarod Lanier who purposed that all social media is built on behaviour manipulation as a business model. The more unconscious, the better.
This is not a good thing for internet users, and unfortunately, we have very little power in relation to large corporations that build the products we interact with.
What we do have is the power to choose how we use the internet and the products we use. Much like consumer capitalism, we have the choice of where our dollars and our attention is spent.
I believe the free flow of information, communication, and software is a deeply inherently good and powerful thing. A thing that we should protect. That the internet should be used to for those things, rather than the exploration of its users.
The first step is awareness and intention.
Are we aware of how we are using the internet? Are we aware of how the companies that build the products are using us and our data?
Are we using software we truly intend to? Is it good for us? Or are we using software as a reaction? What does it look to intentionally use software?
Are we deeply considering our choices and what kind of internet they contribute to?
Most importantly, how do our choices affect other human beings online and off?