The Death of the Newsfeed: Overload and the Tragedy of the Commons

The Death of the Newsfeed: Overload and the Tragedy of the Commons

In today's digital age, social media has become an integral part of our lives. One platform that has revolutionized the way we connect with others is Facebook. However, as Benedict Evans points out in his article "The Death of the Newsfeed," the newsfeed feature on Facebook is facing a significant problem - overload.

Dunbar's number suggests that we can only maintain meaningful relationships with a limited number of people, typically a few hundred. However, with the advent of social media, the concept of friendship has changed. We now have the ability to "friend" hundreds, even thousands of people, blurring the lines between genuine connections and superficial acquaintances. This phenomenon, combined with what is known as "Zuckerberg's law," which states that people tend to share more and more on social media over time, has led to an overwhelming amount of content on our newsfeeds.

The asymmetric nature of the newsfeed makes posting at a high frequency seem normal instead of rude. Since we are posting to our own feeds rather than sending it directly to someone, it is acceptable to share a large volume of content, even if it is not of utmost importance. This creates a tragedy of the commons situation, where everyone is expected to contribute to the feed, but the sheer volume of posts overwhelms each other's feeds.

To combat this overload, Facebook constantly alters the algorithm to reflect users' changing desires and prevent boredom. However, the challenge lies in determining what content should be shown and who gets to decide. Unlike Google, which shows users exactly what they search for, Facebook lacks a direct signal. There are certain things that should not be shown, even if someone we know has shared them. This raises questions about what those things are, who should make the decision, and how the weighting should be determined.

The focus on "what do I want to see?" in the newsfeed means that it cannot simultaneously prioritize "what do my friends want or need me to see?" This constant swing between different types of expressions creates a sense of instability and further pushes us away from the traditional idea of the newsfeed.

The Best, Most Frustrating Quote About Creativity: Ira Glass and Closing the Gap

Moving away from the realm of social media, let's delve into the world of creativity. Ira Glass, the creator and host of This American Life, shares an inspiring quote about the creative process. He acknowledges that when we start our creative endeavors, our work may not live up to our own expectations. Our taste, which drives us to pursue creative work in the first place, often surpasses our initial output. This can be frustrating and discouraging, causing many people to give up.

Glass emphasizes the importance of perseverance and practice in closing the gap between our taste and our actual creations. By setting deadlines and consistently producing work, we can gradually improve and bridge that divide. Creativity is not a one-time burst of brilliance; it is a continuous process of repetition and reinvention over time.

In 2017, at SXSW, Glass summarized this truth by saying, "Don't wait. Just make the thing. Make a version, and then make it better, and then make it better." This sentiment echoes the idea that the job of a creative individual is not simply to "be creative" but to actually create. We all have the ability to make what matters, to create meaningful things, if we are willing to put in the effort.

To close the gap between our aspirations and our skills, we must focus on creating a volume of work. The accumulation of projects and experiences is what ultimately defines our body of work. The journey towards mastery requires dedication, persistence, and a willingness to iterate and improve with each endeavor.

Actionable Advice for Navigating the Digital Age and Cultivating Creativity

1. Take control of your social media experience: With the overwhelming amount of content on our newsfeeds, it's essential to curate our online experience. Unfollow accounts that do not align with your interests or values, and prioritize meaningful connections over superficial ones. By actively shaping our social media environment, we can reduce overload and create a more fulfilling online presence.

2. Embrace the process of iteration: Understand that creativity is not an overnight success. It takes time and practice to hone our skills and close the gap between our taste and our output. Set realistic deadlines, challenge yourself to complete projects consistently, and embrace the mentality of constant improvement. Remember, the most important project is your body of work.

3. Find inspiration beyond social media: While social media platforms can be a source of inspiration, it's crucial to seek inspiration from a variety of sources. Engage in activities that stimulate your creativity, such as reading books, exploring nature, or engaging in meaningful conversations. By broadening your horizons, you can bring fresh perspectives and ideas into your creative endeavors.

In conclusion, the newsfeed on Facebook faces the challenge of overload, driven by the combination of Dunbar's number and Zuckerberg's law. The tragedy of the commons arises when everyone is expected to contribute to the feed, creating an overwhelming amount of content. On the other hand, Ira Glass's quote about creativity reminds us that the initial gap between our taste and our work is normal. By embracing the process of creating a volume of work, we can improve our skills and bridge that gap. In navigating the digital age and cultivating creativity, taking control of our social media experience, embracing iteration, and finding inspiration beyond social media are key steps towards personal growth and meaningful self-expression.