- Log off facebook and twitter
- Sign out of gmail
- write in a journal instead of straight into Microsoft Word
These are methods I execute when trying to write poems, screenplays, or initiate any type of artistic pursuit. Recently I’ve begun to take an increased interest in the impact of online domains on people’s creative processes, particularly my own. When I log on to facebook, I am instantly made aware of someone’s third book release, another person’s acceptance into a literary journal, acceptance into a school, their new boyfriend, etc. The same can be said for twitter and gchat to some extent. I’m inspired by this news, for it points to the successes of artists and people in their lives. However, it also furthers the feeling that everything is happening “right now!,” that good things are constantly happening for everyone and if they’re not happening for me, something’s wrong. The fact is, when you’re an emerging artist trying to accomplish difficult feats, things rarely happen “right now” for you. You have to wait. At times for long periods. So just because our technology has sped up immensely, the process of life, of creating and becoming, has stayed the same. How does that impact people living in this age? Put simply, (and citing my own experience), I am making progress and accomplishing alot, but not at live-tweet speed.
Ten years ago, I would not be writing this. I would be mailing in writing submissions to journals, not emailing them. I would await a letter in the mail, notifying me of my acceptance or rejection from the journal, rather than receive an email on gmail, which while personal, seems all the more public when I peer at my 25 gchat friends’s status’ on the side of my inbox. I would have nothing to log-on to that would distract me from writing my first draft poem or screenplay. This is not merely a nod to past as much as it is a way to consider the differences in people’s patience levels and their abilities to sustain themselves for large amounts of time without receiving any good news; to create without added online distractions.
When I’m on social networking sites, I notice there’s always an increased need to “share” and update. As an emerging artist, I don’t always have something to share. I’m figuring out life, waiting to hear back from folks about film ideas, budgets, screenplays, writing journals, and checking my email only to see no one sent me anything or returned the emails I sent one month ago. I log on to facebook and am pulled into a world of good news in which I want to share something inherently “good” or funny regarding my life and/or achievements.
I may be the only person who experiences this, but since I strive to remain honest in all of my writing, I wanted to share my thoughts. Or perhaps I can blame my interest in this on my theoretical degree in mass communications. Who knows. But while online forums have made many things convenient and easy, they also contribute to alot of mental clutter. When I sit down to write or think, this clutter doesn’t serve me well. I recently read a NY Times article that cited a study of people’s increased reliance on constant, rapid spurts of information via twitter, facebook, and email. Not a good look… I’m attempting to find a balance. Until then, I’m signing off.
I would love to read your thoughts on this post. Please chime in!
sweet potato pie Press 
“The fact is, when you’re an emerging artist trying to accomplish difficult feats, things rarely happen “right now” for you. You have to wait. At times for long periods. So just because our technology has sped up immensely, the process of life, of creating and becoming, has stayed the same. How does that impact people living in this age? Put simply, (and citing my own experience), I am making progress and accomplishing alot, but not at live-tweet speed.”
That’s key. And it affects everyone differently. For me, I’m not distracted or bothered by instant updates on twitter and Facebook. News of a friend’s acceptance into a literary journal only turns my grind gears on harder.
The only time I’m impatient is when I email my submissions to journals. I have to work on that. But I love that I can email them and not have to pay for postage (44 cents may not seem like much, but when you submitting to as many as 13-20 journals a day that stuff adds up).
I can read a poem by Derrick and offer my suggested critiques at “live-tweet speed.”
But to go back to your quote above, understanding that while “technology has sped up immensely,” “the process of life” remains unchanged. Understanding that is one way of an emerging artist can survive in the “age of instant gratification.”
Good post, Nijla!
Great thoughts, Nijla. Of course moderation is crucial in regards to the web. Once must not allow him or herself to be caught up in it, to forget oneself. It’s easy, I know. The noise of electrostatic must be turned off sometimes. In that quietness our creativity may be heard. Thank you, for your words.
Wow, you took the words right out of my mouth (again). Have been thinking about this as I go into a third day without tweeting and feeling self conscious about it, worrying that I might lose “followers” if I’m not “active” and dishing cool, clever, inspirational, interesting updates, etc. I hate that I’m even worrying about something that silly when I’ve got so many other things going on and in need of my attention! Thanks for your reflections. I’m right there with you.
I *really* appreciate this post! When I made the decision about 2 months ago to deactivate my facebook account, I emailed some of the people I am particularly close to to let them know about my decision. I received a wealth of emails back, the vast majority of them stating that friends envied my willpower– most people said that facebook made them feel bad about their seeming lack of accomplishments as compared to their friends’. Others spoke of that “time suck” aspect– creative energy fritters away as we spend minutes of our lives thinking of aptly witty “status updates.” In any case, I felt really proud after receiving those responses about my choice to leave facebook… but, without it, I really experienced a feeling of disconnect. I felt as though I was missing out on things I had become used to having instant access to. Although this eventually led me to reactivate my account, I am still considering how best to manage these virtual identities.
In short, I totally feel you, Nijla. You bring up myriad issues with the “age of instant gratification.” One final thought: The majority of the personalities I “follow” on twitter are celebrities. I’ve noticed those creative artists I respect the most often will write that they’re going on a twitter “fast” or “signing off” for an extended period of time in our to create. It seems that many creative people share your feelings on this matter, although they may not have realized the many ways they are impacted.
Thank you for writing this.
Nijla,
I think that everyone can feel this. In the past we didn’t have instant access to hundreds of our peers’ accomplishments and I admit, it can be quite intimidating. Please note though, that YOU are one of those people that others look too as well, that people see as working toward her dreams, and accomplishing things. In life, even without fb and twitter, we tend to compare ourselves to other people and at times we can devalue our unique lives and what we have to offer. While another person is looking our way with the same eyes of envy. We must learn to admire and support others and be inspired, not demotivated.
It’s a constant struggle to uphold our confidence, but like I said, insecurity is a human condition and happens with or without social media networks (although I can admit that those sites DO help exasperate it!)
Thank you Alicia and everybody for your thoughtful responses. You bring up some very good points. We do live in a society that encourages competition, being the “best,” etc. and it’s very hard not to get sucked into those cycles. Most times, I feel inspired and motivated by my peers accomplishments, but also start to lose sight of my own. It’s a very frustrating cycle to be in, but one that I’m aware of.
Moderating internet use and keeping everything in perspective may be the best way to counter that.
This article really expressed much of what I feel on a daily basis. There is always a fear that what I might say is not good enough to post. Its not like everybody eles’s. What if no one cares? So, I also have taken the same path to leave facebook and the rest alone. It can be useful but it doesn’t give me a sense of expansion at this point. Oddly enough, I go by the same name “Sweet Potato” without the pie and was frightened, startled, and pleased to find your page. For a moment it made me feel barren, lost, and that time had passed me by; taking my dreams. But, I feel thoughts, and dreams have a life of their own…and people have awakenings to their purpose. The message of dreams does predispose itself to find a willing vessel to bring it to life. Lest you live inside your head. Do you think journaling in any computer based program detracts from the authentic voice of the writer?