Do not give in to algorithmic pressures

Photo by Christin Hume on Unsplash

I started writing on Medium 2020, during the pandemic. The world was in a state of lockdown, and like many others, I was searching for an outlet to express my thoughts, feelings, and ideas. The act of writing became a solace for me, a way to reach out and connect in a time of isolation.

Initially, I harbored no expectations of garnering significant attention or traffic. However, as time progressed, my readership unexpectedly began to swell. It would be disingenuous to claim that I don’t find joy in witnessing an article I’ve painstakingly crafted resonate with a wide audience. This satisfaction stems from a fundamental human desire for recognition and success. In our society, numbers and metrics often serve as tangible validations of our achievements. There’s an undeniable thrill in seeing an article you’ve poured hours into being appreciated, receiving positive feedback, and knowing it has made an impact on someone’s life. This cycle of gratification becomes addictive; the more people engage with your work, the more compelled you feel to create content that replicates that success.

This drive, while initially motivating, can lead to a loss of authenticity. Writing, by its nature, is a contemplative and time-consuming process. Yet, the digital landscape, particularly on platforms like Medium, is increasingly cluttered with superficial or hastily…