Mathew Brown

Find Me Here, Not Everywhere: Why My Social Media Says 'None šŸ“µ'

I often get asked "Why do you say you're not on social media but you have a LinkedIn or Github page?".

What I Mean by ā€œSocial Mediaā€

Working definition: Sites that are engagement-driven. Algorithmic feeds optimize for reactions and time on site.

But I thought you said you don't write about things you don't like?

True, I share tools, books, and ideas that I genuinely use and recommend. I tend to take the "if you have nothing nice to say ..." approach. I'd much rather have you excited to try something I discuss than try to persuede you against something.

Saying I am don't have a social media question usually begs the question, "Why?". So I thought I would address it.

The Apparent Contradiction: GitHub & LinkedIn

When considering using any service it ultimately comes down to this question:

Will this make my life better?

If it makes your life worse, then its toxic and should be avoided. If it won't make your life better or worse, then its a waste of time.

To clarify, something frivolous that doesn't harm yourself or others—like watching a dumb sitcom—does make your life better, because it brings you joy, relaxation, or a needed break, even if it isn't "productive" in the traditional sense.

Why GitHub Stays (Occupational Tool)

Why LinkedIn Stays (Directory, Not a Feed)

I choose depth over feeds. Time for family and friends. Focus for meaningful work. Interest and authenticity over algorithms. I don’t spend time critiquing what isn’t for me, and I respect that others choose differently.