@mariyadelano You did it! And it worked out. It’s all in there, in one coherent piece that is definitely more than the sum of it’s parts. Congratulation! 👏
This essay is now a manifesto on what the Fediverse can teach us about creating a new internet from the ashes of dying social media giants, featuring coups, neurodivergent social interactions, myopic marketing tactics, follies of capitalism, and very heavy references to a video game called Disco Elysium. All peppered with my sincere love for the internet, humanity, and the craft of writing.
As usual with my more emotional / personally involved writing - the core of it is the confidence of a little undiagnosed girl who was bullied and alone in real life, but who ran to her computer to talk to her online friends who didn’t see her strange mannerisms, hyperactivity, or fear of eye contact. A girl who found her confidence making up stories and sitting in forums and chatrooms until 3 am, exploring, sharing, falling in love with other humans and the things they made.
I will not give up on the internet. I will not give up on finding connection in digital spaces.
I don’t give a shit if every single website I use today burns down. I will rebuild. I will find my people wherever they are. And I will again marvel at the love and beauty of spontaneous connection and deep exploration of mutual interests.
Without the internet, I had nothing. I was bullied, alone, and severely abused.
The internet gave me dreams and I will preserve that for others. I have to.
@mariyadelano the reason I don't give up on fb is bcs when I was abandoned and more or less imprisoned alone with my autistic son 24/7 it was my only connection with humanity
@mariyadelano the changes in social media continue to challenge us to adapt to new ways to relate. Sometimes it seems positive; sometimes it’s obviously toxic. We continue to strive for better.
This is taking a while. Will try to publish something tonight or tomorrow morning but it’s a difficult piece to write so I appreciate all of your patience!
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