Why Middle-Fingering the Algorithm Gods Might be the Key to Thriving on Social Media

Hello algorithm gods. 

I don't know you. But I know you're there.

Panopticon style. 

You're the ones who see all my posts.

You see every like, share and comment I make.

You're the ones who determine if I get influencer status or whether I'm banished like some pathogen-carrying outcast.

I thought maybe we could talk if you have some free time?!

Because really, we've been doing this dance for years now, and I know so little about you.

What makes you tick?

What do you like?

And what do you really think of me? 

(Can't blame a girl for being curious)

Oh, algorithm gods, I'm tired. 

I'm tired of writing stuff only because I think it will please and appease you. Because where's the fun or authenticity in that?

Oh, algorithm gods, we need to talk because more often than not:

1. You stop people shipping:

In Seth Godin's latest book, The Practice: Shipping Creative Work, he talks about how shipping is the most important part of any creative process. And by that, he means doing the work, which in this case is the actual writing. But who wants to ship when they know they're forced to deal with the wrath of the algorithm gods?! Not me.

2. You make people fixate on the wrong things:

People are so obsessed with KPIs and other vanity metrics that they miss the true power of social media: It's ability to connect us with people we'd never otherwise cross paths with. As someone who is a self-diagnosed introvert, that's why I fell in love with social media in the first place. A short-lived love affair that ended when the Kardashians and their millions of followers found Twitter (no offence).

3. You make people self-conscious:

Several years ago, I was doing some social media training with executives at a big company. They told me they were afraid (yes, they used that word) to share because maybe their post would get no likes or comments. They were afraid to put themselves out there and get crickets. I think that's a pity. It's a real shame that a platform designed to give people a voice makes so many afraid to speak up.

But you probably know all this already.

Most of us a love-hate with social media (and the algorithm gods).

And if I'm honest, I hate social media. Rich coming from someone who has made a living from social media in some form or another over the last few years. And yet, I hate it.

I hate how social media gives a voice to some people and hides others. I hate how it makes people censor themselves or, worse yet, write in a way that appeases the algorithm gods.

Algorithm gods, you've been up to your shenanigans for far too long.

And if you aren't willing to have the talk, here's how I (and you) can take back social media:

1.Write like no one is watching

Write. Write often. And then re-write. Write even if what you have to say doesn't sound profound or life-changing. Write even if the algorithm gods reject you. Just write. And no matter what, be willing to do it all again. Because when you write, you're honing your voice and building your brand. And because, as Woody Allen said: "80 percent of success in life is showing up."

2. Be willing to middle-finger the algorithm gods

I get it. We all care what people think about us. But would other people's opinions stop you from wearing that red hat you like or going to your favourite restaurant? For your sake, I hope not. And the same goes for social media. Don't let how you think people and how the algorithm gods are going to respond stop you from sharing. Because that's just sad. Why link your worth to whether the algorithm gods liked what you had to say? Seems ridiculous, right? And yet, we're so hyperfocused on how our posts perform. That's why I say it's time to middle-finger the algorithm gods and stop fixating on unhelpful vanity metrics. Post and share and be yourself.

3. Commit to a process

Sharing openly and honestly is a vulnerable and at times a lonely experience. And to do this time and time again requires a process. I was inspired to start thinking about this after I listened to an episode of the Tim Ferriss podcast where he interviewed Jerry Seinfeld. In the brilliant episode, Seinfeld talks about how overwhelming writing can be and how one of the best ways to overcome the overwhelm is to have writing sessions. A writing session, as Seinfeld explains it, is a time-blocked session where you commit to nothing more than sitting down and writing and when the time is up, so is the session. As simple as that. I love the idea, and I think it can be applied to one’s social media process. What many people find overwhelming about social media is that they have to create all this content but don't know where to start. Once you commit to a social media writing session, things will instantly seem less overwhelming.

So, what is your relationship like with the algorithm gods?

Does knowing that the algorithm gods are out there reading and rating everything you share change what and how you share? And if you, what are doing about it? Tell me ...