It’s about the dark side of ‘sharenting’ & sharing your children’s lives online. However, one specific data point in the documentary really made me take notice:
How much MONEY does Facebook & Instagram actually make from each hour we spend on the platforms.
So here are some really interesting stats:
Meta makes approximately $0.27 for each hour that an average user spends on Instagram.
Meta makes approximately $0.28 for each hour that an average Facebook user spends on the platform.
We know that these days, our attention is one of the most valuable resources we possess. Every minute we spend scrolling through social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram, we contribute to a business model that thrives on engagement. What’s striking is that, in many ways, our attention has become a commodity, something to be bought and sold to advertisers who use this time to show us targeted ads.
However, how often do we REALLY consciously think about this transaction as we scroll?
We might enjoy the content we engage with, but do we realize that our time online is generating profits for companies?
I’d love to hear how you feel about this dynamic and whether you’ve found ways to balance your time on social media while maintaining control over your focus. Those of you that use social media, are you practicing mindful scrolling? Or perhaps set boundaries to protect your attention span?
Let’s discuss how we can be more conscious about the value of our attention and use technology in a way that aligns with our well-being.
I just watched this. I’m not sure who I feel worse for, the people creating content or the people watching it. The platforms will all around, and the phone manufacturers make it so easy to create ‘content’. I am sure if phones were not available and creators had to have a more professional set-up there would be less content. I find that if I end-up looking at content such as in this film, I am very quick to realise the uselessness of it and I close it down. I have become quite a disciplined scroller.
@mnrkr74 I’m also a very disciplined social media user. I wouldn’t even consider myself a ‘scroller’ because I don’t do that mindlessly. I think my average daily use is about 30min.
I don’t consider myself a ‘scroller’ either, I mostly seem to view a social media post when a news article etc adds it as part of the story. Other than that, I do have an account on Mastodon and Bluesky and Nostr but only for following the likes of Mudita, GrapheneOS, Lightphone or Punkt etc, for information purposes.
I do feel bad about denigrating these people in these videos all the time though, if it works for them then fair enough. I am not in their heads. But for me, again, too much noise, not enough mindfulness, awareness or bare attention of ‘ourselves’. The world is turning outward more and more and more. No more introspection, how are we to ever grow anymore?
To me this discussion really highlights the value of mindful design in tech products. If the phone doesn’t allow for internet browser, it cannot be used for mindless scrolling… perhaps be present looking at the sky for a time, or go hug a tree instead!
On a separate note, I find it deeply disturbing that parents feel it is okay to pass harmful tech to their children - do such parents know it is harmful?
Have meaningful connections between parents and children gone the way of the dodo in favour of mindless tech? Have these connections been sucked into cyberspace along with the morals many big tech companies lack?
Thank you for sharing a link to download that DW video.
I despise what all of the featured “sharenting” parents do, including how the featured French model is destroying her children’s current – and future! – privacy for her own profit. all while rationalizing why she must do so and continue to do so.
I quit meta long time ago and advise my friends and their children to use email, Viber, direct calls/SMS as substitute until real meetings with known people, including friends of family abroad…
For meeting new friends I advise friends of friends (real life circles)
I was recently traveling & I picked up the Fall 2024 issue of Cosmopolitan magazine on a whim. There was actually a VERY insightful article in the magazine on the topic of Parent influencers & it gave perspectives from all sides- The kids who took (or still take part), the parents (as to why they do this), care givers who were around when the filming was happening, as well as employees of the content creators (because once the get big enough- they have a team in place, like a film crew etc).
I couldn’t find the article online- so I scanned it for you guys. It’s really interesting. VERY eye-opening. https://docsend.com/v/wcs37/sharentingarticle
Check it out.
Let me know what you think.
Very interesting the ideal I strive for is to consume social media content intentionally, selectively, and to give a little bit back.
Intentionally – meaning to have my 20 minutes for exploring rather than glimpse at a feed every time I’m bored.
Selectively – because there is an abundance of quality content and wise, inspiring people sharing their knowledge. There’s also a lot of trash. Like with food or books or friends… the choice is ours.
Giving back – I believe many things in life are an energetic exchange and being a taker is not beneficial in the end. While I consume and watch, I also try to post something inspiring or curious every now and then. Although this point is probably less universal, as not everyone may want to share their content that way.
That’s the intention. In reality though… it doesn’t always work out the way I plan it.
This is beautiful and important kindness - yay, kindness in internet land!
I feel the balance of energy is important to the flow of life - I believe one the greatest human gifts is being able to gift and receive with an open heart.
the ideal I strive for is to consume social media content intentionally, selectively, and to give a little bit back.
Thanks!