The Tortured Social Media Department
Plus, a truly exceptional reading week recap, BookTok is horny for 1984, and the rest of my Weekly What
Since you’re currently reading this on the internet I’ll assume you are aware of the newest Taylor Swift album release. Though not something I particularly care about (not because I don’t like Taylor, more because I don’t listen to much music in general) I do love a (positive) collective internet moment. I enjoy when the internet is abuzz with something fun, it so rarely seems to be, and it seems there are somehow fewer and fewer opportunities to have communal experiences despite our hyperconnected world.
I do get a slight itch of FOMO at moments like this, I wish I cared more about Taylor Swift’s latest album, or Beyoncé, or the latest Sarah J. Maas book. Being part of a fandom seems fun, experiencing something together seems fun, I think this is the best of social media.
As it turns out, FOMO, or fear of missing out, is the primary reason many people use social media despite recognizing negative effects from that use. According to a 2023 study 64% of TikTok users and 48% of Instagram users report negative welfare from their respective apps and 58% of respondents polled would prefer to live in a world where social media didn’t exist. Of the respondents who would prefer the apps not exist a whopping 79% of Instagram users report they still use the app due to FOMO while 39% of TikTok users are still on the app due to FOMO while 34% say their primary reason is addiction 👀
With nearly half to two-thirds of social media users reporting more negative effects than positive, more than half wishing the apps didn’t exist at all, but still using them mostly due to FOMO and addiction it feels reasonable to conclude most of us are no longer having a good time on social media and are instead caught in a collective trap of sorts.
I can’t help thinking we need more collective experiences to celebrate and less of all the other things that come with these apps, but I’m not sure how we achieve this when the apps themselves benefit from division, dissatisfaction, and dependence.
Tell me:
Are you a Swiftie?
What is your favorite track from The Tortured Poets Department?
What do you think about pro/con balance of social media? Do you use social media due to FOMO?
What do you think would make social media fun again?
Anything, let’s chat!
What I’m…
Reading
The Book of Doors by Gareth Brown. I really enjoyed the premise and world building here, and of course I’m always interested in a book about books!
James by Percival Everett. This was fantastic! A highly anticipated read I couldn’t help but binge in a day. Both print and audio are amazing.
The Devil and Mrs. Davenport by Paulette Kennedy. I was delighted by the obvious Shirley Jackson influence in this book set in the mid-century Ozarks featuring a housewife who begins hearing voices and seeing visions. [Read my full review]
Piglet by Lottie Hazell. Another excellent book I quickly gobbled up. I loved the visceral writing style.
Listening
Relinquished: The Politics of Adoption and the Privilege of American Motherhood by Gretchen Sisson. Excellent reporting on the often unconsidered implications of the American adoption system. Especially prescient as adoption is currently being touted as a reasonable and burden-fee option in lieu of abortion, which it is decidedly not. One of those books I wish I could get everyone to read.
The Husbands by Holly Gramazio. Binge listened to this in a day while I worked on a project. I think it was the perfect situation to enjoy this book.
Watching
Inception (Apple). I “watched” this movie once before. The quotes are there because it was when I was pregnant with my first and I slept through a solid half of the movie. This is not a movie to sleep through. 14 years later I actually watched it and I liked it.
CODA (Apple). I can’t believe we waited so long to watch this!
Manhunt (Apple). 7 episode (final episode premiered last night) conspiracy thriller about the hunt for John Wilkes Booth following Lincoln’s assassination. I really liked this and found it suspenseful and informative.
Eating & Drinking
Malibu Chicken and Caesar Salad
Cheeseburger Macaroni in the Instant Pot with steamed broccoli
And this Easy Breakfast Casserole for quick breakfasts all week
Links + Loves
The Big Five publishers are suing Iowa over its book ban law (CNN)
The Blurb Problem Keeps Getting Worse (The Atlantic) This is an article from last summer that again hit my radar. I’m so interested in this blurb ecosystem and their role in the book industry.
Above I mentioned reading and loving Percival Everett’s James this week. I appreciated
‘s Six Things to Know About Huck Finn Before Reading James to refresh my now decades old high school reading of Huck Finn in preparation of reading James. Though I agree with Sara and the many other reviewers who have said you do not need to have experience with Huck to enjoy James I feel a little bit of legwork to generally understand Huck and its context will go a long way to improve your reading of James.I’m forever wondering WTF is happening on Booktok (Vulture). Apparently this week they’re horny for a 1984 torture scene featuring Andrews Scott and Garfield in the new Audible version of Orwell’s dystopian classic. I remain unconvinced this is the best platform to shape the book industry.
Enjoyed clicking through Publisher Weekly’s Summer 2024 Preview. Immediately added 1974: A Personal History to my list.
I am fascinated by this feature on a book restorer. (YouTube)
Community reading at this book shop in Montreal sounds lovely. (Public Books)
ICYMI
This week’s blog posts:
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Until next time!
I like Taylor (although less and less every year) but I still feel like all the songs are too similar haha I don't think I have a favorite yet, 31 tracks... too many! I admit I have FOMO sometimes but still i can't stop going through social media...
CODA was such a cute film ^^
Okay, I am that person who hates Taylor Swift. But now than anything, I hate how toxic her fans are and how quickly they come to a billionaire's defense without truly thinking about the implications.