+Manifesto+
I grew up in the early age of the internet. I remember when it was still but a tiny shell of potential
waiting to evolve. I remember the family box computer that sat on an old rickety multi-purpose desk.
I remember playing dress up games and watching youtube videos before the push of ads an algorithm.
The internet was vast yet still personal and close-knit. I didn't have to worry about creating a noticeable or
directed performance for others. I didn't have to worry about ai encroaching on me for soulless imitation.
With this page, I want to take a stand against the current homogenous and capitalistic version of social media.
I want to recapture the wonder of the old internet with a modern lens. I want to channel the free and creative ways
of the old internet. I reject the over-dependence of social apps to curate my personhood. I reject the creatively
bankrupt corporations hinging on the likes of ai and surveillance in order to falsify sense of innovation.
I maintain this corner of the world as a cultivation, a digital wonder, a personal treasure trove with every strange,
unique, and quirky part of me, I maintain that this page runs with intent and hardwork. I maintain that this page reflects
my humanity.
Detaching from the Net or Dumbphoning
Recently, as a way of getting off my phone or stopping from doomscrolling all the social media apps, I decided to delete all
my social media, maintain screen-off time, and seperating the contents of my phone. I've been more attentive to how I spend my day
and whether all my productivity comes from scrolling or from doing tasks, creative or otherwise. With my screen time limit, I've found that
I have more time for coding, reading, exercising, etc. I've also discovered that I have trouble being bored. Sometimes I'm left with my thoughts
and looking up at the ceiling counting the textured dots. Or I fidn myself outside just listening to the birds chirp and the wind creak.
I think that's my favorite thing to do when the boredom and unproductiveness gets to me. Makes me feel like I actually exist.
Last week I ordered a portable cd player from ebay to carry around with me whenever I go somewhere so I won't automatically go to my phone.
It's been so fun, and learning all the skills that come along with owning a portable cd player has been the highlight of my week. I've learned how
to burn cds and will eventually burn one as soon as I get what I need.
One thing many won't bring up when removing social media is how much researching starts to become a hobby in of itself. What I mean is, without scrolling
and always being presented with information, both of the factual and unfactual, searching for things becomes almost obsolete. But having deleted all my SM, I've found
comfort in just researching--researching anything to be particular--like coding tips, ways of thrifting, research papers, clothing, old technology, etc.