The Intersection of Good Writing and the Death of the Newsfeed

The Intersection of Good Writing and the Death of the Newsfeed

In today's digital age, where information overload is the new norm, it is essential to approach both writing and consuming content with simplicity, efficiency, and structure. Just as good code is easily understood by junior engineers, good writing should be accessible to all readers. Conversely, bad writing, like bad code, can be unnecessarily complex and inefficient, leaving the reader feeling overwhelmed and confused.

To write effectively, one must consider the mental resources of the reader, much like a programmer considers CPU cycles and RAM. Attention span and memory are the writer's equivalent, and it is crucial to combat boredom by incorporating humor or providing insightful moments throughout the text. David Perell refers to this as the "Raymond Chandler rule," where every 250 words should offer the reader an epiphany, keeping them engaged and eager to continue reading.

However, the rise of social media platforms, such as Facebook, has brought about a new challenge: the death of the newsfeed. Benedict Evans discusses Dunbar's number, which suggests that individuals have a limited capacity to maintain meaningful relationships with only a few hundred people. Yet, Zuckerberg's law encourages users to share more and more on social media, leading to content overload.

The asymmetric nature of the newsfeed contributes to the problem. When posting on one's feed, it is perceived as normal rather than rude to post frequently and share less important information. This, in turn, leads to the tragedy of the commons, where the constant posting overwhelms others' feeds. As people's desires change and they grow bored, platforms like Facebook must continually adjust their algorithms to reflect these shifting interests.

Google, on the other hand, has the advantage of showing users exactly what they want based on their search history. Although this may seem intrusive, it proves successful because it caters to individual preferences. Facebook lacks this direct signal, making it challenging to determine what content should or shouldn't be shown. Even if something may not be relevant or valuable, if a friend shares it, it still appears in the feed.

The question then arises: who should decide what content is prioritized, and how should it be weighted? If the focus of the newsfeed is solely on what an individual wants to see, it neglects the importance of what friends may want or need them to see. This constant swing between different types of expression and content consumption may indicate a shift away from the traditional newsfeed format.

Considering the commonalities between good writing and the challenges faced by the newsfeed, here are three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Embrace simplicity: Just as good code is concise and easy to understand, strive for clear and straightforward writing. Avoid unnecessary complexity and ensure your message is easily digestible for your readers.

2. Prioritize relevance: When sharing content on social media platforms, be mindful of its value to your audience. Consider what your friends or followers would find meaningful and avoid contributing to content overload.

3. Engage your readers: Incorporate moments of humor or insight throughout your writing to keep your readers engaged and interested. Aim to provide them with regular epiphanies or thought-provoking ideas every few hundred words.

In conclusion, the parallels between good writing and the challenges faced by the newsfeed highlight the importance of simplicity, efficiency, and structure. By considering the mental resources of readers, we can create content that is accessible and engaging. Simultaneously, the evolution of social media platforms forces us to reevaluate the way we consume and share information. By embracing relevance and prioritizing meaningful content, we can navigate the overwhelming nature of the newsfeed and maintain a more meaningful online experience.