Make Media Work For You: Improving Your Media Intake
Original Post Date: Apr 26, 2024
“So now I was left with two questions. Was one of my favorite genres responsible for one of my least favorite expressions? And was music the only medium that affected me like this? ”
I love Twitter. If there’s any app you’ll find me on all day it’s Twitter. I’m typically participating in trending jokes and conversations. These conversations often lead to outspoken responses. I think it’s important to speak out about social issues, especially on social media, as many of us spend hours a day consumed by our timelines. Additionally, I find it interesting to explore different opinions and open up my mind to new ideas.
A few months ago I came across yet another trending question on Twitter. The viral tweet read: “Starting ya day listening to rap music kinda a red flag”. My immediate reaction was to think Well I guess that's another bullet on my list of red flags. I will admit that, as a high schooler, I’d jump in my car and immediately turn on whatever Nbayoungboy (one of my favorites at the time) album was newest. And at that time that was changing every few months (if you know you know). As I reflect on my behavior during that time, I began to realize how much aggression I presented early in the morning. Some days it was a positive aggression; I was eager to talk and facilitate conversation. On other days, I was pacing the hallways with a severe RBF. Most of you are aware of the content featured in music by NBAYoungBoy, and similar artists. There is no surprise that it would yield an aggressive temperament. So now I was left with two questions. Was one of my favorite genres responsible for one of my least favorite expressions? And was music the only medium that affected me like this?
From then on I began examining my displayed behavior when I consumed media from different artists and different media forms. The soft melodic tunes featured on my R&B playlists soothed my mind. I moved throughout my day slowly and calmly. I recognized my heightened creativity during the weeks that I chose reading, instead of Netflix, as my nighttime ritual. As new ideas consistently came, I appreciated the words on the pages that sparked my curiosity. The motivation that podcasts delivered me led to my success in the past spring semester. My mindset has been shifted by the powerful minds that offer their insights. Now of course there is still room for all the genres under the sun. And to be honest between Succession and Love is Blind the streaming services have been occupying all my free time. Oh and how could I forget the most enticing form of them all…Social Media. While I do find that time moves almost instantaneously as I scroll, I’ve implemented new habits to limit myself. There are also days that I’m surrounded by more silence than media. This experience can take some adjustment, but a still mind can be a breeding place for creativity.
The point that I want to emphasize is the need for balance between the mediums. Unfortunately, I don’t have a percentage rule for efficiently consuming media. There is no universal rule since we all react differently to stimuli and display different tastes. And honestly, there are some weeks where you don’t seek to challenge your brain but simply to entertain it, and that's ok too. I do have some thoughts for you to ponder as you create your media.
Here are some suggestions and questions to ask yourself before you go hit play on that next song, add that show to your watchlist.
Ask Yourself…
How do you feel after you’ve spent significant time on social media?
As I become more aware of my mindset after media consumption, I’ve recognized the different attitudes I’m left with. Social media is the media form that exhausts me the most. Between the clutter and the unnecessary conflict, I find myself overwhelmed. I’ve set a new boundary for myself. If I reach 3 eye rolls, as I scroll, it’s time to close the app. This allows me to set a boundary for how impactful negative content is.
Are your media consumption habits constructive for your own goals?
I listen to music for a large portion of my day. While I do love music, I wanted to find more ways to strengthen my knowledge and mindset throughout my day. This desire sparked my love for podcasts. Within the last year, I have been introduced to educational, comforting, and entertaining podcasts.
Shaping my own identity as a writer has attracted me to observe other writers. And what’s the best way to do that? Reading. I’ve had so much fun as I explore fiction and self-help (my favorite genres) books. I love reading because it allows each reader to create a unique visual. While authors offer scene descriptions, we all can conceptualize them differently. My imagination hasn’t been stimulated like this since I was a kid.
Tips for better media consumption
Explore new creators
After an assignment in my most recent journalism course, I learned to better assess the sources and creators I follow. I began to ask myself why I followed certain people. The most impactful removal I’ve made is TheShadeRoom. I recognized that the content they offered, while sometimes funny, was pretty irrelevant to my life. I didn’t need to constantly be updated on the intimate details of celebrity's lives. Additionally, I didn’t want to support a platform that ignores ethical standards. Twitter is another space where I’ve become hyper-aware of those featured on my following lists, as many individuals are solely there to spark controversy. If I see accounts that constantly tweet negativity they get hit with the unfollow and mute.
Diversify your media
I’m ashamed to say that when I look through the playlists that I go to most often, most are focused on my favorite male artists. Exploring the discography of my favorite female artists has allowed me to dive more into my femininity and foster my confidence. This diversification process isn’t limited to music. Search for new podcasts, pick up a new book, or take a friend's movie recommendation.
Learn what media makes you most productive
There have been countless times that I began to start taking notes and was easily distracted by my Drake playlists or the newest episode of Bel-Air. My mind was filled with lyrics and not formulas (my hatred for math probably didn’t help). One day I sat at my desk and realized that I wasn’t going to be able to effectively take notes and listen to music or watch TV. I knew that I also didn’t want to sit in silence as the next 3 to 4 hrs passed. I turned to instrumentals, brown/white noise, and lo-fi to bring the essence of music, without the distraction. I’ve also recognized new opportunities in my morning and night routine. Most mornings I begin with a podcast to put me in a motivated mindsight. At night, I like to read a chapter or two of a book. This is the perfect way to still enjoy a good story before bed, without the overstimulation of TV.
I hope you take these suggestions and consider how the media you choose could be hindering or benefiting you. Consider keeping track of your behavior and productivity as you explore new media.
With Love,
Allie
