I will still scroll (aka…lurk) on social media sites such as Facebook and NextDoor because they offer ground level (sadly often poisoned ground) observations and analysis of events and attitudes. I wish to remain “in-the-know”, especially since I dropped my cable TV service to save over $100/month. Some discussions on platforms are insightful and engaging while others are crude and hateful. I will remain appreciative of the good and wary of the bad.
One of my resolutions for 2026 is to shift my writing, analysis, observations and proposals over to my blogging and my website (www.dunnwriteswell.com).
Why?
Upon reading a post or analysis that I appreciate and agree with, I will compliment it following the adage “give credit where credit is due”. If I have something to add, I will direct them to my website highlighting a blog appropriate to that topic. My goal is to build alliances and nurture meaningful discussions.
Upon reading a post or analysis that I respectfully disagree with or feel that a perspective might be missing, I will direct traffic to my website and any blog(s) that pertain to that topic. My goal is to engage in civil dialogue and drill down further into the pros/cons of a matter that might be of mutual interest. I’m trying to engage in critical thinking for the enlightenment of all parties and possibly sway the opinions and attitudes of all participants. This includes myself in keeping with the adage “an old dog can learn new tricks”.
Upon reading any post or comment that I find to be abhorrent, I’m likely to disregard it since I’ve reached an age and stage in life when I don’t have the time, energy and patience to contend with idiocy and immorality. If the post includes something that just can’t be ignored or if there is a flagrant lie that must be addressed, I may call them out and direct them to a blog that may (or may not) unlock what seems to be a closed, hateful mind. This avoids the social media rabbit hole of tit-for-tat ranting, raving, insulting. There exists the extreme outside chance that my blog concerning this contentious topic might trigger an epiphany but I’m not holding my breath waiting. If they respond with insults or descend into a dialogue of racism, misogyny, sexism, homophobia or other cesspool, I can simply block them. A further advantage to disengaging from the social media circus is that I will not be pandering to or arguing with bots, fueling click bait and feeding algorisms of negativity and hate.
Last, but not least, my blogs and website will represent a legacy of thought and perspectives that can be an intergenerational legacy for my children and future generations. This will be a modern version of a traditional diary that can provide insight into the life, times, thoughts, emotions and observations of my time on earth. Now isn’t that better than engaging in the drivel of social media which I consider a never-ending episode of The Jerry Springer Show?
My inspiration for this New Years Resolution was a YouTube presentation describing how thoughtful, insightful, critical thinkers and philosophers during the chaotic years of the decline of the Roman empire secluded themselves in monasteries in remote regions. In so doing, they kept alive learned civilization and the ability to read, write and think. Fast forward to today and we may be at a similar inflection point. Retreating to seclusion, contemplation and learning may save oneself and preserve society for a future day. However, it speeds the decent into chaos because nobody is left in society to call out the lies, deceit, idiocy and hatred. On the other hand, those who remain in society to confront the darkness head-on are likely to find themselves ostracized and ignored at best and martyred at worst. My strategy with this New Years Resolution is the straddle these extreme scenarios.
Full disclosure, there is a selfish motive for my proposing what I’m calling an “Intelligent Exiting of Social Media”. When I direct friends, foes and everyone in between down this exit ramp to my blogs and website (www.dunnwriteswell.com) I’m also linking them to my novel (Mall Child) which includes many of the themes that are baked into my blogs. My hope is that allies will gobble up the book, the undecided will purchase out of curiosity and maybe even some hostile naysayers will consider purchasing.
I’d love to know your thoughts concerning this proposal and any suggestions you have with regard to navigating social media, retaining our sanity, combatting idiocy, focusing on solutions and leaving a positive legacy.
Greg Dunn
Copyright January 2026
Dunn Writes Well 