Social media is described as something we participate in, but most of the time, we use it more like television.

We as humans consume a lot of things. Food, beverages, information, time, attention, news, resources. Some of these we have to consume to survive; others we consume because we just want to, for different reasons. Let’s focus on one thing that is not necessary for survival: information. We consume information through books, films, conversations, social media, etc.

We also participate in many things. Conversations, culture, events, gatherings, work, and communities. We also choose to participate in some things and actively decide not to be part of others. And I think participation is important for several different things. That is how we learn, gain agency, develop connections, and form a sense of belonging.

The title of this essay is oversimplifications. What it’s trying to say is that social media made participation possible, but platforms organize attention around consumption. Participation is not just posting; it’s also: maintaining connections, messaging friends, sharing links, and being present. But because of the algorithm, we shifted towards watching more content being created by a small number of creators.

So the big question is: how can we get more people to participate rather than just consume? Every guide out there is optimizing to hack the algorithm, get more views, and not just participate. Is the next bug social media being built around participation, but not optimizing for consumption?

Posting a photo of friends is different than making a video for ten thousand strangers. First maintains a relationship and sends comets for distribution.

Not all consumption is bad, reading a book is consumption, but it can change how you think.