Seth Godin wrote a recent blog post about conspicuous consumption. The ratchet effect of getting in the game has been accelerated by social media, he writes, and the only way to do well in the game is to refuse to play.

On Twitter especially, but across social media in general, the style of discourse I see is largely anathema to my longing for meaning, connection and nuance.

Brusque is not the same as succinct, nor as engaging.

Trenchant is not the same as pithy, nor as illuminating.

Boastful is not the same as confident, and not at all inspiring.

There is good to be had in these networks, despite their design to prey on our emotional responses. As I’ve only a limited amount of time and energy though, I’ll play a different game.