On Consuming online content - Are you really intentional about it?

 I was watching one of my absolute favourite YouTubers "Wheezy Waiter" and his latest video really resonated with me. It got me thinking about the ways we consuming so called "Content" and "Media" on the web. It is a really interesting video that I recommend you watch and I have embedded it here to watch. Also I really recommend this channel. It is very full of cool and sometimes deep insights sprinkled with great humour and Whit !

 

 

The gist of the video is how we tend to consume content on the web. In one word it is unintentional for the most part. On YouTube you might open the subscribed channel feed and watch one of your favourite creators, but in most cases the you consume the next video through the "recommended" or the "related" route.

So the "Intentionality" of your choice and action is relegated to the algorithm's whim. It is just mindless sifting through content. This is even more prevalent on other social media where the feed is completely dictated by the algorithm so that you keep endlessly scrolling and consuming.

There was once a simpler time where the decision to consume any content was more pure and intentional.

 For example TV broadcast was limited to a few channels and you made it a mental note to watch and enjoy it. It felt much more fun and fulfilling since you knew that this was something that will start and end at a certain time and the limited nature of the content made it more precious and meaningful.

 I really miss those simpler days. The way content is blasted to our faces makes it really difficult to emulate the old content experience. Craig, the Wheezy Waiter, imparted some cool tips to follow to make the content consumption experience more intentional and in the process more enjoyable and fulfilling. One interesting way to control consumption is by using browser extensions on your PC that limit the ability of sites on social media to "suggest" or "recommend" content. Sadly this is not possible on mobile platforms where the most egregious "unintentional" media and content consumption happens. But at least it is a start!

Let's take more control of what we consume online.  Don't let the algorithm win the fight for your precious time and attention!