Social Media: Behind the Scenery

Hi everyone,

I haven't forgotten about you ...

I haven't even been taking time off ...

I have been chasing headlights again, and just wandered down a couple of paths, and forgot to get home before dark ...

I am a wanderer what can I say? I like twinkling, sparkly things.

So where have you been Dr B?

Well a couple of things have really been fascinating me recently. The main one is those short, punchy youth focused social media channels. So I got lost down an Instagram and TikTok hole.

For the past few weeks, I am been tipping my toe in those social media platforms. They are so addictive.

Who would have thought that you'd have zillions of teenagers lip syncing the words to songs, dancing like strippers in their parents lovely homes, and people doing silly things for 30 seconds, that it would be so riveting.

The initial reaction is, "ah, I'm too old for this shit". And then next thing you know it, you are walking around with an industrial face mask, giving people bedtime well wishes. In my journey, I jumped on to one of the freelancer sites, and hired a young influencer to help me.

We set up a time for him to take me through the finer points of Instagram, sharing his insights on becoming an influencer, and looking at the technical side of things. I won't mention his name, however, he was lovely.

He gave me like a jammed pack session, and he was quite fascinating too.

He confirmed every gross stereotype of a millennial I have: - he had a fluid kind of sexual identify- he is a softie- he knew shit tonnes about social media- he has a zillion followers - his "common sense" made me feel dumb- he thought my jokes were unfunny.

Anyhow, by the end of our session, I have a true appreciation of what those little tackers get up to. So over the past few days, I thought. Well, if a nice guy like that can create a zillion followers by talking about himself, then why not me? I can talk about myself all day, probably not so fun, and without so much color or theatrics, why not give it a go?

So the last few days I have been like Dr. Jekyll scheming away in my lab, scheming of a new Dr. B. To be honest, it's been fun.

Since, I've implemented his Insta 'tricks' I have lost a third of the audience I had . Not sure if that means its working, but it's far more fun.

My little Insta man suggested that it's all about 'engagement', and yes, I have been engaged more. So many little conversations have popped up.

People have shared personal things with me, stories of elation and suffering, and it has been really touching. I kind of get now what goes on behind the curtains of this fast social media.

On the outside, there is a stage with performance. In the backroom, a lot of people get to connect and share their thoughts.

One of the backroom chats I got was 'Dr. B, love your Daily Rant'.

It was a great reminder that I got to get back to ranting, and people actually do read these words.

I wonder sometimes if I am just writing to myself (either way, all good :-)?)

Have a great day everyone.

Stay safe, warm and wonderful - and try a bit of lip synching to some pop song - there's no doubt a few great conversations it will spark behind the scenes.