I Want My Brain Back!

Post #34

Apart from singing, I’m also drawing more. I have set a tiny task for myself. I bought an agenda that has one of those monthly organizers. I decided to draw someone I saw on the street every day. The agenda has a front pocket, where I keep a pencil, a pencil sharpener, and an eraser. It fits a pocket, and I quickly doodle a face that interests me.

Before I deleted Instagram, I had noticed my feeling of despair grew when I opened it. It was the only social media app left on my phone, I got rid of the rest because of all the noise, but I was still anxious. I realized that every two posts on my feed there were videos of catastrophic events. They seemed to be happening, but when I checked the newspapers, they were from previous years. As if what is actually going on wasn’t enough. I still worry about the world, but I’ve decided not to turn on my full apocalypse mode all the time. Because if I think everything is ending, I won’t fight for what’s worth preserving.

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⚘ The Offline Club sends emails with ideas of how to disconnect from the smartphone. I’ve followed their advice and my anxiety has gone down quite a bit.

⚘ I’ve joined The Studio, from Creative Boom. It’s a small network for designers, illustrators, and people working in creative industries in general. There’s a nice atmosphere, it’s not driven by an algorithm, and they organize talks and monthly meetings. I love the social aspect that was at the core of social media when it began. I hate what it has become.

⚘ Apparently, I’m not the only one who’s done with social media right now. Here’s a good article on what might be driving us away.