offline: On purpose
By Madelyn Mahle
Edited by Anna Kate Mereness
Can I confess? I’m a little tired of being sold a product every time I open social media.
Don’t get me wrong. If I could major in Pinterest consumption and minor in online shopping, I’d be first in line. But lately, I’ve noticed a shift in the kind of content I actually want to consume. Less perfectly curated products placed in my algorithm, and more personal content. Less “you need to buy this” and more “here’s something I like to do in my free time, you should try it too.” With it being fall (well, not really with these 80+ degree days), I want more cozy, nostalgic, and genuine content on my social media.
And maybe it's the changing leaves, but something about fall makes me want to romanticise my life a little bit more. I thrive this time of year. I set new goals, get into a routine, and find myself returning to that familiar capsule of feelings and memories that somehow only October can bring back. I even thought to myself on my walk to class this morning, “I can’t wait till October 1st next year.” I want to read or write more, listen to music that reminds me of a chilly evening or a rainy day, and make the ordinary feel a little more special.
Which got me thinking: Are we craving media that isn’t necessarily asking us to buy something?
I think we might be.
Between classes, extracurriculars, internships, and to-do lists, I’ve started craving a slower way to consume media. Something that doesn't make me feel like I need a new wardrobe, an entirely new nighttime routine, or a new way to reach 10,000 steps before 8 am.
Let's be honest. It's exhausting to exist in a culture that can turn practically every interest into an opportunity to swipe your card. Like something? Here’s the link to the hundreds of products on Shopmy. Want to enjoy your morning? Here are ten skincare products to help wake up and de-puff. Want to start journaling? Linked is an entire cart of aesthetic supplies you need to buy before you write the first sentence.
We’ve become so accustomed to seeing the things people post about and promote, accompanied by the link to buy them, and that gets old.
So, I have a few suggestions for you if you're wanting to connect with physical media instead, or you're interested in what other platforms are out there that you may be unfamiliar with.
If you’re also feeling the urge to put your phone down and reconnect with your curiosity and creativity, here are a few places to start.
Ways to romanticize your life this fall and get offline…
Give Substack a try.
Think of Substack as a place to discover independent writers, personal essays, newsletters, and creative work. Substack is like if Pinterest and creative writing had a baby. Very word-heavy but also extremely visual, and there’s plenty of imagery. You can explore fashion, lifestyle, books, and practically any niche that interests you.
Pick up something printed.
The next time you’re walking through Armstrong or heading to class, grab a copy of The Miami Student. Browse a local Oxford newspaper, flip through a magazine, or revisit a book you've been wanting to read. There’s something satisfying these days about picking up a piece of print media and flipping through it.
Start an October journal spread.
Try an “October Currently” page with lists of what you're loving, wearing, watching, reading, and listening to lately. Make an “October Bucket List” of little things you want to do before the season ends, like visiting a coffee shop, baking something, making a Pinterest board, or hosting a fall-themed event. You could even search for inspiration to come up with your own ideas.
Make a fall playlist.
Every season deserves its own soundtrack. Here are a few songs currently living on mine, perfect for a chilly walk, a study session, or to fill the quiet.
“Witchy Woman” - Eagles
“Always Forever” - Cults
“Sweater Weather” and “Softcore” - The Neighbourhood
“Cinnamon Girl” - Lana Del Rey
“Vultures” - John Mayer
“Rhiannon” - Fleetwood Mac
“Roslyn” - Bon Iver and St. Vincent
Pick up sudoku, word search, or crosswords.
These activities aren't just fun to do at the airport or on a road trip! An enjoyable way to exercise the mind and do something different in your free time.
The goal isn't to give up social media completely. I know I won't be giving up Pinterest, Instagram, or TikTok anytime soon, but I do want to spend more time doing other things offline.
So, this October, I’m making a commitment to consume more intentionally, create more often, and get re-inspired. Will you be?
Comments