You would never go to AA to sell whiskey.

You would never approach someone trying to quit smoking and light one right next to them.

You would never go up to a recovering gambling addict with a scratch off in hand

How ironic is it that influencers will pontificate about the dangers of social media and short form videos and yet present those ideas through the very media that they are warning against.

For a long time I have battled with the idea of expanding my media footprint, and have struggled with where the line should be.

There has to be a balance in all of our uses of technology. Technology is a creative tool to serve us. So often it has become our master.

My desire is to be an active pressure against the easy flow of dopamine and instead present quality ideas in a different way. This is why I love the idea of black-and-white text in a book or blogging form. We work together, the writer and you the reader, to create a dance in our minds where ideas can be traded and a conversation can happen.

Dialogue, then, appears to be for me the limiting factor on what technology and media I or any other creator should participate in. Both the creator and the consumer must become active participants in the idea that is being shared.

Short form content is one-sided. There is very little thinking that happens on the consumer side. Only flickers of dopamine from the flashing lights. The dialogue is swept away by the next video that lasts only a few seconds.

Short form has become a drug stealing the attention and focus from the mass of people so that large companies can profit, regardless of what the consequences may be to you or your family or friends. Short form and the algorithm give you exactly what you want before you know you want it, hooking you in and keeping you from thinking.

Creators have a moral responsibility for the people they hope to inform. Creators are looking to profit themselves and are willing to peddle content to addicts so they can get their fill.

For me as a creator, I believe the best forms of media open doors of conversation. Written media allows for this, which is why you see me on X formally known as Twitter and this blogging platform. I also am a fan of podcast and long form videos, though to a lesser degree than writing.

Tell me what you think? Am I being dramatic or have I not gone far enough? What is the best way to responsibly interact with our screens?

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