Cartoon: You Post the Content. We Dump the Digest.

This is how it works, whether you like it or not.

I joined FB and provided content: pictures, music, videos, history, and articles of interest. I came to see and talk to friends and to share in community. I enjoyed my friends’ art, photography, and music as well.

We all did.

Nice while it lasted.

Once it was monetized in every way possible, what I got back was sponsored content I did not ask for and did not care to see.

The algorithm boxes me in like my mom saying, “But… but… but… you liked Super Frosted Sugary Bits cereal!”

And I reply, “I grew up. That was decades ago.”

Similarly, the algorithm treats us like an infant, dangling shiny things and shaking a rattle in front of us in the form of remotely related content.

And I am expected to coo and giggle, and maybe some friends will put a like or a happy face on it and say, “WHO’S A GOOD BABY? WHO’S A GOOD BABY? YOU ARE! YES YOU ARE!”

I guess that works at some level.

Memes and validation are far more valued than agency — but this mule is about to find greener pastures.