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You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.
— C.S. Lewis
Quick question: When you first downloaded your favorite social media app, did you have any idea how much time you'd end up spending on it? If someone had told you the total hours, would you go back in time and hit pause? If the answer is yes, what’s stopping you from deleting the app…right now?
Bonus question: Do you remember why you signed up in the first place? Was it curiosity? FOMO? Or just because everyone else was doing it?
I’m not much of a social media person. Not trying to sound superior here—it just doesn’t really click with me. Truth is, our world is so hooked on these apps that even avoiding them feels like a flex. But I’m not without my own digital vices. (YouTube? Yeah, that’s my kryptonite. And yes, it’s technically social media too.)
Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat? Not for me. But I have friends who love them. And I totally get the appeal—they’re fun, social, and endlessly entertaining.
What I don’t always understand, though, is some of the specific behaviors that come with them. Like, why take and share pictures of meals or outfits? What makes these moments so worth documenting?
But recently it hit me. I do the same thing.
I just use WhatsApp or Messenger instead of Instagram or TikTok. Same actions, different platform. But is it really the same?
Here’s the thing: while the act is similar, the experience isn’t.
Social media is designed to hook you, and that changes everything.
On the consuming side: When you’re consuming, you start with posts from friends and family. But once you’re caught up, the algorithm takes over. Suddenly, you’re scrolling through content from strangers. The system knows exactly what you’ll like—and it keeps feeding you. Found something entertaining? Good luck stopping. Lord Algorithm is a master at keeping you engaged.
On the creating side: When you’re creating, posting a photo or video isn’t as quick as it seems. You tweak it with filters, write a witty caption, and maybe toss in some cute stickers. Why? Because it’s a game. A game where likes, followers, and comments equal validation. And validation feels good. (Hello, dopamine!)
Before you know it, the balance shifts. You end up spending 20% keeping in touch with friends/family (your initial goal) and 80% scrolling algorithm-delivered content and playing with filters (the hidden costs).
This isn’t a rant against social media. It’s a gentle nudge. Just because an app is on your phone (and has been for multiple years) doesn’t mean it has to stay there. You have the power to choose.
And it only takes five seconds. Press and hold the app icon. Tap the little “x”. Done.
Of course, if you use social media intentionally, that’s great. No shame there. The problem arises when you stop making the decisions, and Lord Algorithm takes the wheel.
So, who’s in charge—you or the app?
— James
Tools & Websites
Obsidian is a note-taking app that’s great for… well, taking notes. All your notes are stored locally as markdown files on your laptop (and can be synced with your phone too). It’s built for offline use. The best part? If you ever decide to stop using Obsidian, you can still import all your notes into another tool.
Send to Kindle is a Chrome extension that makes it easy to send news articles and blog posts to your Kindle. It’s a one-click process, works flawlessly, and I’ve already sent over 60 files since I started using it last year.
Built by Monday is a very simple website with a beautiful hero section. Fitting, since they specialize in website updates ↓
James’ Library
Article | As much as I find AI helpful for writing—especially as a non-native English speaker—I’m also watching it becoming the spammers’ favorite tool. From faceless social media videos designed to drive engagement to AI-generated eBooks flooding Amazon, an overwhelming amount of junk is being created every day. It’s polluting the internet and making it harder than ever to navigate. Generative AI models are trained by using massive amounts of text scraped from the internet, meaning that the consumer adoption of generative AI has brought a degree of radioactivity to its own dataset. As more internet content is created, either partially or entirely through generative AI, the models themselves will find themselves increasingly inbred, training themselves on content written by their own models which are, on some level, permanently locked in 2023, before the advent of a tool that is specifically intended to replace content created by human beings. |
Video | We all feel that we belong to our country. It feels natural, like it’s always been this way. But just a few hundred years ago, things were different. Countries didn’t define who we were as a community. They didn’t unify us under a shared culture. They didn’t hold the kind of administrative power they do today. Nationalism, as we know it, is much newer than you might think. Our world is built on an idea. It's an idea so powerful that we fight and die for it. We draw our maps around it. It shapes our politics, it forms the basis of our very identity, who we think we are. It's an idea so pervasive that you've probably never even stopped to notice how weird it is. Because here's the thing, this idea is completely made up. And even though it might feel like it's been around forever, it's actually newer than you think. That idea is called "The Nation". |
…Aesthetic Corner…
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Knob 1, by Work Louder, is the most beautiful mechanical keyboard I’ve ever seen—definitely gives off Teenage Engineering vibes.
It works seamlessly with all devices and software and has a devoted fanbase. The only downside? The price: $439 USD.
PS: Another stunning website to add to the collection.
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An incredible photographer with limitless creativity. I’m obsessed with his use of color and his carefully thought-out compositions.
Everything he creates is handmade, which feels so refreshing in these AI-dominated times.
Choosing just two of his photos? Not easy.
Sustainable Living
Ca na Catalina is a project by architecture studio ERNEST BORDOY which is ‘focused on environmentally responsible architecture, socially engaged and concerned about the physical and mental well-being of users’.
One of the ways the building is eco-friendly is by using local marès stone instead of less sustainable materials like concrete, cutting emissions by 30%. Its design minimizes pollution and reduces its carbon footprint significantly, making construction much greener.
Smart design features, like shading, natural ventilation, and positioning for seasonal sunlight, keep the building comfortable year-round. These strategies reduce energy use, making it both efficient and environmentally friendly.
Friends of James
Beehiiv — the powerhouse behind all my newsletters, helping me craft, design, grow my audience, and monetize effortlessly.
Notion — my go-to tool for the last 6+ years, where I store all my notes, manage tasks, and essentially run both my life and businesses.
Webflow — the engine behind all my websites, letting me design, build, and launch seamlessly without code.
Make — the tool that runs my business on autopilot, handling all recurring and time-consuming tasks
*these are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them. Your support directly helps keep this newsletter going ✌️
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