RT apewood (@apewoodx)If you live in New York or similar cityWhat I used to do was take one day a month, leave my phone at home, and walk around the city with a couple of books just going coffee shop to coffee shop, parks, etc spending a few hours at each place just reading/writingDevice free day ...

Today, I'd like to suggest how we can shift the narrative and make social media work for us rather than against our selfworth. I'd like to propose a deep question. Have you ever found yourself mindlessly scrolling on social media only to suddenly realize you feel worse about yourself.One minute you're checking notifications and the next minute you're comparing your life to someone's curated vacation photo. It's as if we're a part of an endless talent show competition where everyone is showcasing their gold ...

Social Media Usage & Time Consumption - Average daily phone usage is 4 hours and 37 minutes, totaling approximately 70 days per year [2] - Social media consumption accounts for 2 hours and 23 minutes daily, equating to 38 days annually [3] - By age 80, an individual could spend 10 years on social media [3] Privacy & Data Concerns - Users voluntarily share personal information, including location, thoughts, and activities [4] - Algorithms track user beliefs, preferences, and thoughts through browsing activity [6] - Social media shapes user actions and opinions, potentially without users realizing it [7] - Misinformation spreads rapidly, impacting critical thinking [8] Impact of Disconnecting - Disconnecting from social media can lead to boredom initially, but can be turned into productivity [9][10] - Disconnecting can foster closer relationships with family and allow for more present moments [10][11] Overall Argument - The world is ruled by data, which users voluntarily give away [8] - Users are more connected but feel lonelier, more restless, and more anxious [12] - Deleting social media can help users realize how much of themselves they are giving away [13]

Core Insights - Big Tech is increasingly eliminating middle management to streamline operations and reduce bureaucracy, a trend that has accelerated in the tech industry compared to other sectors [3][4][5] - The flattening of organizational structures allows for more direct oversight of employees by remaining managers, which could lead to both increased efficiency and potential burnout among those managers [5][6] - This strategy reflects a broader trend in tech companies to focus on high performers while minimizing the need for managerial oversight, as the presence of underachievers is seen as a hindrance to productivity [6][8] Industry Trends - The tech industry is experiencing a significant shift away from traditional middle management roles, with major companies like Microsoft, Intel, and Amazon leading the charge [4][5] - The push for efficiency is driven by competition from agile startups, which can operate more quickly without the layers of management that larger companies have [8] - The trend towards flattening organizations is part of a larger movement in Corporate America, where companies are reassessing the value of middle management roles [4][6] Implications for Management - The reduction of middle management may lead to a more empowered workforce, allowing top performers to excel without excessive oversight [6][7] - However, this approach may not be universally effective, as high-performing employees may not always be easy to manage, potentially leading to challenges in team dynamics [7] - Companies are willing to take risks with this strategy, as evidenced by statements from leaders like Amazon's CEO, who expressed a strong aversion to bureaucracy [5]