unfortunately for us introverts, you need to be on social media to be successful

breaking news

I’ve come to the conclusion that, in order to actually succeed in your creative career, you need to be active on social media, at least somewhat. This is an idea that I’ve really resisted for the past 5 or so years, because: 1. I and my lifestyle are nowhere near “Instagram perfect"; and 2. I don’t like being perceived. Rebecca Jennings, wrote an article back in February on Vox explaining just this problem—this push and pull between creatives and social media.

“The internet has made it so that no matter who you are or what you do — from 9-to-5 middle managers to astronauts to housecleaners — you cannot escape the tyranny of the personal brand,” Jennings writes. And, oh boy, is she right. I can’t be a successful writer or creator unless I post some imaginary lifestyle. I’m living with my made up persona for clicks and views because how else am I supposed to build an audience? “Just be yourself” is the tip I hear a lot from other aspiring content creators, but let's be real: no one online gives a shit about you or your life unless you’re already famous. Otherwise, you need to provide entertainment, education, or inspiration neatly packaged in a punchy but aesthetically pleasing way.

It’s odd, because we perceive people who do make success of their creative endeavors as cool and admirable. But it’s the process of becoming a musician, actor, writer, or whatever is uncool and cringeworthy. At the end of the day, creative success is due to hard work and, of course, some luck.

For me, the performance of posting on social media as a creator is a mental mindfuck. I want to be perceived, but at the same time, I don’t. I don’t want to fall victim to the algorithmic gods in order to please potential viewers or followers. I don’t want to use clickbait to get views. I just want to be myself and create cool things. But if you’re concerned with success, these are things that are impossible to ignore.

If I had money for a social media manager to do all these things for me, I would absolutely hire one. But for now, I must grin and bear through the grunt work of doing social media.