is there life beyond the feed?
reclaiming our time, our attention, and our lives from the digital chaos.
If you’re reading this, chances are you feel the same unease I do: the sense that social media demands more from us than we’re willing—or even able—to give. And I’m not just talking about time or attention. I’m talking about something deeper: those thoughts and priorities that no longer feel like our own.
I’m no expert. I’m not a renowned researcher, a seasoned writer, or a digital detox guru. I’m just someone, like you, who started questioning the future of the internet—and the role it plays in our lives.
Don’t get me wrong, the internet is an incredible tool. Paying bills instantly, ordering something online with a single click, exploring the vast potential of artificial intelligence—it’s revolutionary. It solves problems, opens doors, and transforms lives. But somewhere along the way, haven’t we lost something?
I’m writing this because I want to change the way I interact with social media. Writing used to be something I loved 10 years ago, before the endless scroll consumed so much of my time.
Before opening this tab, I tried something Catherine Price suggests in her book How to Break Up with Your Phone: I checked how many hours I spend on my phone. My average? Eight hours a day. Let that sink in—eight hours.
It’s a full-time job where I’m not being productive—just distracting myself by watching random videos or finding out what that guy who was in my class 15 years ago is eating for lunch.
Imagine if I used those 40 hours a week to study a new language, learn a new skill, or even take on a second job to pay off some bills. But instead, here I am, scrolling.
I work in a field where visibility feels essential. Many times, I HAVE to post, like an advertising billboard shouting into the void: “Hey, everyone! Look at me! I’m here, I’m working, please buy my stuff!” But is this the life we want for ourselves? And if not Instagram, what other way is there to sell my work?
A few years back, I worked at a marketing agency, where I learned how companies literally pay for our attention. Everything—down to the color of a button in an ad—is tested to make sure you click, engage, and buy. It made me realize just how deeply we’re entangled in a system designed to keep us hooked.
And that’s why I’m here. I want to create a space where we can explore ways to step out of this cycle and start living with intention again.
What can you expect here?
In this Substack, I’ll share reflections on:
How our lives have been shaped by algorithms;
Why screens distract us from what truly matters;
How we can rediscover the offline world without feeling disconnected;
Practical ways to slow down and live more authentically.
This is a space for anyone who wants to leave the feed behind and find a new way to connect—with the world, and with yourself.
An invitation to something bigger
This isn’t just about the words on this page. It’s about creating real moments of connection. Maybe one day, we’ll gather for an afternoon coffee to discuss these ideas. No screens, just real conversations.
I don’t want to sound hypocritical and say that by reducing our screen time, we’ll be sitting in front of a fireplace every day, sipping coffee, and reading a good book. Sometimes we’ll spend our time watching soap operas, knitting a sweater, following a skincare routine, or preparing a better meal. Whatever it may be, we all have our own way of finding balance.
If this resonates with you, stick around. Subscribe to the newsletter and receive reflections that go beyond the screen.
And remember: not everything needs to be shared online. Sometimes, the real revolution happens in silence.
Are you in? Let’s build something worth sharing. Off the feed. Out of the algorithm. Close to what truly matters.
With gratitude,
Rafa :)
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Together, we can create a space that values real connection over endless scrolling and meaningless distractions. Your support makes it possible to stay focused on what truly matters.