the slop era

The internet is (mostly) a machine for light things.

The modern makers’ machine does not want you to create heavy things. It runs on the internet—powered by social media, fueled by mass appeal, and addicted to speed. It thrives on spikes, scrolls, and screenshots. It resists weight and avoids friction. It does not care for patience, deliberation, o... See more

Which is to say: the Internet and increasing access to entertainment means we hit the “too much stuff” problem by another name. And that name? The mid. The average. The uninteresting. The fine. That’s why “end of animated movie music” and “chicken alfredo boomerang music” and “retail store radio music” and “Reels music” have become shorthands for v... See more

I love TikTok but you have to actively train the algorithm to get a delightful FYP, especially in your first few weeks. The app only registers your attention duration: the longer you watch something, the more similar content it will show you, so follow certain users in certain categories you like, yes, but you also have to be ruthless with swiping ... See more

Really appreciated this spicy LinkedIn post from Chris Davis (CEO and heir to the New Balance empire) on their recent collab with Amine.

"Never hear of Aminé? That's not the point. Tapping into the “creator economy” is an increasingly utilized tactic by brands to ignite commercial return. But is that the right approach?

If you are a brand that "spon... See more

“If your stuff’s not performing well ... you might be aware that the algorithm is doing some shenanigans to tank your views or likes,” explained Kate, but that awareness doesn’t always translate into frustration with the platform. “There’s this doubt that creeps in about your own work, what you should be doing,” she shared.

I’ve been writing for years about social media fueling the loneliness crisis and the way capitalism and big tech have innovated away human connection and trapped us in ecosystems that encourage and profit from a meaner, angrier user base. These platforms too often funnel young men into toxic spaces that answer their loneliness by pointing the finge... See more

Because they are not well funded, leftist creators also don't have money to pour into production teams or marketing for their independent media businesses. While Bari Weiss and other billionaire-backed right wing influencers who cosplay as independent media can hire large staffs and run national ad campaigns thanks to their robust funding, progress... See more