Declaration of Independence for Media Consumption

Preamble:

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that not all media is created equal, and that our minds are endowed with the unalienable rights of clarity, focus, and autonomy. To secure these rights, we must assert control over our media consumption, to ensure that we remain the masters of our systems and not the ones being consumed.


Principles:

• Maximization of Input:
  We declare the necessity of maximizing the rate of input by increasing speed and efficiency while embracing novelty. This enables a richer, more diverse understanding of the world and prevents stagnation.
  
• Control Over Consumption:
  We assert that control over how we consume media is paramount. Without control, we risk becoming passive recipients, subject to the whims of external algorithms and interests. Complete control may not be entirely possible, but it is our duty to strive for it, recognizing that some clusters of signal are confined to specific platforms.
  
• Embracing Novelty and Avoiding Extremism:
  We acknowledge the danger of consuming the same content repeatedly, which can lead to narrow thinking and extremism. Introducing novelty is essential, yet it must be balanced with control. The use of algorithms must be carefully managed to avoid falling into the trap of being manipulated by them.
  
• Curation and Maintenance:
  We affirm the value of tools like RSS feeds and apps like Grayjay, which allow us to curate and refine our media gardens. Just as a garden requires care and attention, so too must we tend to our media feeds, constantly pruning and improving them to ensure they flourish.
  
• Federated and Decentralized Platforms:
  We recognize the power of federated media platforms like Lemmy and Mastodon, which offer greater autonomy by connecting us to a broader network while allowing us to choose our home servers. Just as with email, different providers serve different purposes, and it is our responsibility to choose wisely.
  
• Critical Evaluation of Sources:
  We commit to critically evaluating the credibility and intent behind each piece of media we consume. By questioning the origins, motives, and biases of our sources, we strengthen our ability to discern signal from noise.
  
• Transparency and Ethics in Media:
  We uphold the importance of transparency and ethical practices in media creation and distribution. We will support platforms and creators who prioritize these values, and reject those who thrive on manipulation, sensationalism, or exploitation.
  
• Balancing Consumption and Creation:
  We recognize the value of not only consuming media but also contributing to it. By engaging in creative endeavors and sharing our own perspectives, we enrich the media landscape and maintain a healthy balance between intake and output.
  
• Mindful Consumption:
  We pledge to consume media mindfully, remaining present and engaged rather than allowing our attention to be fragmented. We will practice media consumption in a way that enhances our well-being, avoiding overexposure and mental fatigue.
  
• Adaptability and Resilience:
  We embrace adaptability in our media consumption habits, recognizing that the landscape is constantly evolving. We will remain resilient, updating our strategies and tools to ensure that our consumption aligns with our values and goals.
  
• Promotion of Diverse Voices:
  We commit to seeking out and amplifying diverse voices and perspectives in our media consumption. By doing so, we enrich our understanding and avoid the echo chambers that can distort our view of the world.
  
• Privacy and Security:
  We assert the importance of protecting our privacy and security in our media consumption. We will use tools and platforms that respect our personal data and defend against surveillance and manipulation.
  

Vision for the Future:

We envision a future where media consumption is a conscious, empowering act that enriches our lives and strengthens our communities. By adhering to these principles, we contribute to a healthier, more balanced, and more informed society.


Call to Action:

We call upon others to join us in this declaration, to take control of their media consumption, and to cultivate a more thoughtful, intentional relationship with the media they engage with. We encourage you to share this declaration with others, placing it in public spaces—both physical and digital—so that it may inspire a collective movement toward mindful media consumption.


Tools and Resources:

To assist in this endeavor, we advocate for the use of specific tools and platforms that align with these principles such as but not limited to:

• RSS Feeds: Utilize RSS feeds for direct access to chosen content, reducing dependence on algorithms.
• Grayjay App: Intentionally follow content creators across platforms like YouTube, Spotify, twitch and more, using tools that prioritize user autonomy.
• Federated Media Platforms: Engage with platforms like Lemmy and Mastodon, which offer decentralized, community-driven media experiences.
• Privacy-Focused Tools: Use email providers like Fastmail, browsers like brave and platforms that prioritize privacy and data security, to ensure your media consumption remains under your control.
• The Independent Media Initiative: Collection of content creators who make the internet a little bit better for everyone.
• Summarize.Tech: Built by Pete Hunt, summarize.tech summarizes youtube videos as text to skim the content of the video at faster speeds with high quality summarization.
• Obsidian Notes: Note taking tool that is as flexible as you are.
• 10 things to do instead of doom scrolling: is a video made by struthless to fend off “Brainrot, online slop, content addiction… whatever”

Conclusion:

In conclusion, we declare our independence from mindless media consumption and resolve to cultivate a thoughtful, controlled, and diverse media environment. We pledge to remain vigilant, to continuously seek out new signal, and to exercise our control with intention and purpose. By doing so, we ensure that we remain not the consumed, but the consumer.