Choosing Your Media Diet: Avoiding the Spam in Today's Internet

In the early days of the internet, the term "spam" wasn't just about unsolicited emails—it stemmed from a Monty Python sketch where every dish at a cafe came with unwanted spam. It's a fitting metaphor for today's digital landscape, where interruptions abound, from constant advertisements to AI-generated content vying for our attention.

Imagine your online experience as a feast where what you order—what you consume—often comes with a side of spam. Just like in the Monty Python sketch, you, as the customer, seemingly have little choice. The internet bombards us with content, much of it designed to sell us something or promote an agenda. It's easy to get caught up in this whirlwind, spending time on platforms where algorithms push more of what we've already consumed, potentially limiting our exposure to new, diverse perspectives.

There's a Cherokee proverb about two wolves within us—one negative, one positive—both vying for dominance. Which one wins? The one you feed the most. The same can be said for our media consumption habits. YouTube and other platforms recommend content based on what we watch, potentially creating a bubble where we only see what we want, not necessarily what we need.

Think about the saying that you're the average of the five people you spend the most time with. Now apply that to the content creators you follow and spend time with online. Are they feeding your mind with valuable insights and knowledge, or are they serving you empty calories like spam?

Sure, there's a place for entertainment and indulgence now and then, but a steady diet of content devoid of substance won't nourish your mind or spirit. The choices we make about what we consume online shape our reality. If we're not deliberate, someone—or something—else will decide for us, potentially filling us with content that doesn't sustain us.

So, next time you scroll through YouTube or any social media feed, consider what you're feeding your mind. Choose content that challenges you, broadens your perspective, and nurtures your growth. Just like opting for a balanced meal over a plate full of spam, your media diet should be intentional and enriching. After all, what you consume online shapes not just your digital experience, but your mental and spiritual well-being in the long run.

Thank you for being there and I hope that helps.

Gary

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