Avoid being the user
I’ve been thinking for a while around the words used to describe things that we do. The ways we describe experiences can often give clues to how ‘machined’ those experiences are.
You may identify yourself as a Windows user or a Mac user.
Are you an Instagram or Twitter user?
Air B&B user, JustEat user?
Those who created these types of technology will boast…
In the fourth quarter of 2023, the music streaming service Spotify reached an all-time high with 602 million active users worldwide.
But we also use this type of description for people who are caught up in unhealthy or dangerous addictions. What do we think of a heroine user?
If left unchecked, uncontrolled or un-resisted, users can become abusers.
Drug and alcohol use can slowly evolve into drug and alcohol abuse. We recognise the signs as we observe the behaviours that this continued use brings out of a person. Pain, poor health, poor mental health, lack of compassion for self or others.
I would argue that the tools of the machine can also degrade from user to abuser.
Look at the way social media can harass, degrade, spread lies and anger and hate. The users allow the machine to slowly warp their sense of community and self worth. The highs and lows are amplified by the algorithm. The anger and hate increases the amount of attention delivered to the machine, for it’s profit.
You, the user, may well be being used.
Now think of all of those activities that are not of the machine. Activities that bring joy, health, growth, progress. Activities that improve things.
Imagine being more of an ‘ist. Think of an artist, a pianist, environmentalist, a cyclist.
Or howabout the ‘ians. Imagine a great musician, librarian, christian, bohemian, guardian.
Why not be an ‘er? Perhaps a gardner, lover, writer, golfer, carpenter, runner.
What do you identify yourself as being a user of? Ask yourself is it good for you and for others? What is this tool or thing asking or demanding of you? What does it really want?
And if you’re not happy with your answer, maybe just stop using. Go cold turkey. Delete. Unsubscribe.
And find more ways to be an ‘ist, ‘ian, or ‘er.