Jessica DeFino, a beauty reporter focused on the commodification of self-care, delves into how marketing shapes our perceptions of beauty and emotional well-being. Rusty Foster, a writer and creator, shares his experience unplugging from social media while hiking the Appalachian Trail. They explore the tension between digital engagement and the need for connection with nature. The conversation encourages reassessing our relationships with beauty products and highlights the importance of mindful digital consumption for mental well-being.
The commercialization of self-care in the beauty industry promotes consumerism over genuine well-being, overshadowing traditional definitions focused on holistic health.
Extended breaks from social media, like hiking, can help individuals reconnect with nature and reduce the overwhelming noise of online interactions.
Deep dives
The Evolution of Self-Care in the Digital Age
Self-care has transformed into a concept heavily influenced by consumerism, particularly within the beauty industry. Traditional definitions of self-care, which focus on mind, body, and spirit, are overshadowed by marketing that promotes products as essential for self-actualization. An example includes the Secure Attachment Comfort Serum from the brand Selfmade, marketed alongside literature to enhance personal growth. This shift illustrates a concerning trend where self-care is equated with purchasing products, rather than fostering true wellbeing through more community-focused and basic needs.
The Impact of Misinformation on Social Media Engagement
Misinformation online tends to generate moral outrage, which plays a significant role in its spread. A study revealed that post reactions are more driven by anger than joy or sadness, motivating users to share content without verifying its accuracy. Such dynamics are further complicated by the lack of fact-checking among social media influencers, with many admitting they do not verify the information they share. This trend highlights the urgent need for better media literacy and responsible information sharing among creators and users alike.
Youth Trends in Social Media Usage
Recent research indicates that YouTube remains the most popular social media platform among teenagers, with nine out of ten teens using it regularly. Following closely behind is TikTok, which has rapidly gained traction within this demographic. Additionally, Instagram maintains a strong presence, but platforms like X and Reddit lag behind significantly. These statistics demonstrate the evolving landscape of social media preferences among younger audiences and underscore the growing influence of video content.
Logging Off and Connecting with Nature
Taking a break from social media for an extended period, such as hiking the Appalachian Trail, offers individuals a chance to reconnect with nature and reflect on their relationship with technology. One participant shared that while he initially feared missing out on important online interactions, he found solace in the simplicity of nature. His experience revealed that many online feeds could be overwhelming and often irrelevant, with the actual importance of the information diminishing. This highlights the potential benefits of a digital detox, allowing people to rediscover meaningful connections with their surroundings and loved ones.
Georgia talks with beauty reporter and critic Jessica DeFino about the capitalistic excesses of “self-care” online; Mike talks with Today in Tabs’ Rusty Foster about logging off. Also: UNBOXING.
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Would you pay to quit TikTok and Instagram? You’d be surprised how many would - The Conversation
Most of the TikTok users (64%) and almost half of the Instagram users (48%) were prepared to pay to be off them, so long as others were off them, resulting in average valuations across all users of minus US$28 for TikTok and minus $10 for Instagram.
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Never Post’s producers are Audrey Evans, Georgia Hampton and The Mysterious Dr. Firstname Lastname. Our senior producer is Hans Buetow. Our executive producer is Jason Oberholtzer. The show’s host is Mike Rugnetta.