Do you want to be seen or disappear instead? You probably have a preference for the second half of 2024... would you like more privacy or more publicity?

“Both, but it depends on the context, right?”

I’ve noticed that the question of online vs offline privacy is becoming an increasingly important and controversial issue. I know I’m not alone with feeling numbed from algorithm-targeted advertising and the shallower aspects of internet culture, and something needs to change.

I’m likewise not alone in wanting to maximise the possibility of worldwide conversations to do something meaningful while continuing to build my own business.

But where is the right balance for social media?

There’s a part of me that embraces my public role, and enjoys showing up in the ‘online town square’ to speak and teach and connect with strangers.

People care what I say and I enjoy saying things that I care about.

An entirely different part of me craves privacy: an anonymous life where I don’t feel any compulsion to document my days on disappearing stories or capture travel photos to become background accompaniments to YouTube posts like this one.

I’m in a fortunate position where I have the flexibility to go offline for multiple business days each week while working on non-social projects. I’m currently taking four days per week offline and it’s done wonders for my mental health and my creative output with video creation and writing more reflective material.

I’ve got great boundaries with anti-screen addiction, but I’m nonetheless learning how to open my heart to more connections and accepting opportunities for emotional exchange online.

Open to publicity, anchored in privacy.

What’s been working for you?

Got any advice for me?

Jordan