Don’t tell them I’m an introvert I can’t stand crowds

It’s not easy being an introvert. I’ve struggled all my life with things that require me to enter social situations. Social media can be highly beneficial for introverts because it provides a comfortable space for communication without the pressure of face-to-face interaction. Many introverts find it easier to express their thoughts and ideas through writing rather than speaking, and social media platforms allow them to share opinions, creativity, and experiences at their own pace. This flexibility helps introverts build confidence in social interactions and maintain connections without feeling drained or overwhelmed by constant in-person engagement. It has helped me no end.

Social media also allows introverts to find and connect with like-minded people across the world,  join online communities, follow interests, and engage in meaningful discussions about topics they truly care about. This sense of belonging helps them form deep, genuine relationships that might be harder to develop in traditional social settings. In this way, social media not only enhances social interaction for introverts but also helps them thrive emotionally and intellectually in a way that suits their personality. I’ve met a lot of nice people through social media. It can be a force for good if used in the right way.

Au revoir Meta and Twitter

 This year I decided to slim down the social media apps that I use. I got rid of Twitter which had become far too toxic to use. I also got rid of the Meta nonsense too; Facebook, Instagram and Threads. Twitter I used to enjoy but Meta I have always thought was shite. I only ever wanted to see stuff in chronological order. Meta can't comprehend such logic. So fuck em!

At first I found it strange, and a little lost, but I soon got over it. I feel much happier about not wasting so much time. It has though reduced the audience I had for my art. But then I don't make money from my art so it doesn't greatly matter.

15/8/25 I have just relinquished and opened a new account just for my Perfunctory Blancmange dadist memes. A low impact presence.

Alt Text Zealots

 This is possibly going to upset some people unfortunately. There are usually two sides to every story and I don't think that the alt text zealots realise how much anxiety they cause people like me by judging everyone who falls short on the alt text front as being all the same. I believe in equality. It upsets me if I upset other people. I want the world to be as inclusive as possible and I have no desire to discriminate against the partially sighted. But do you know how painful the stress of trying to think about describing a picture, and failing to do so, can be? I just can't do it. It's why my alt text is either sparse or non-existent. It's one of the reasons I'm an artist. I think in pictures, I just can't put into words what I want to say. I have virtually no descriptive powers. I am descriptively illiterate. My brain doesn't work like that. It's why my alt text is a few words or nothing at all.

My ability to put into words what I see is next to useless. It stops me from putting many pictures on social media. Perhaps that's a good thing? I really couldn't say. All I know is that I'm constantly torn. Do I publish a picture or do I not? Perhaps my sight privilege is distorting my opinion on this? I do not know.

I do hope that one day AI will be utilised to provide a solution because it not only impacts on those with impaired visibility it also impacts on those of us of limited descriptive ability.

It's not about laziness. If it was I wouldn't have written this! It is upsetting for me. I don’t like being like this.