In a world where nearly every website is covered in social media buttons, tracking pixels, and “share” prompts, the absence of those features on my website JayForrest.org is intentional. This site is designed to be a refuge from the noise, manipulation, and surveillance that have become inseparable from modern social platforms. I want this space to be a place for thoughtful reading, reflection, and learning—not another node in the attention‑extraction economy.
Below, I explain why I’ve chosen not to use or link to social media, and why limiting or avoiding these platforms is a healthy choice for many people.
1. Social Media Is Built on Surveillance, Not Connection
Most social platforms are free because you are the product. Every click, pause, scroll, and interaction is tracked, analyzed, and sold. Even something as simple as a “Share on Facebook” button can quietly send data back to the platform—even if you never click it.
By not embedding social media scripts, trackers, or share buttons, JayForrest.org avoids contributing to this surveillance ecosystem. Your visit here stays here.
2. Social Media Encourages Shallow Thinking
These platforms are engineered for speed, outrage, and emotional reaction. They reward:
- quick takes over careful thought
- conflict over understanding
- performance over authenticity
Long‑form reading and reflection—the kind of engagement I hope to encourage—simply doesn’t thrive in an environment optimized for distraction.
3. Social Media Amplifies Misinformation and Division
Algorithms prioritize content that triggers strong emotions, especially anger and fear. This creates echo chambers, distorts reality, and fuels polarization. Even well‑intentioned people can be swept into cycles of misinformation without realizing it.
I don’t want my work to be filtered, distorted, or weaponized by algorithmic incentives. Keeping my content off social platforms helps preserve its integrity.
4. Social Media Harms Mental Health
A growing body of research links heavy social media use to:
- anxiety
- depression
- loneliness
- reduced attention span
- compulsive behavior
These platforms are designed to be addictive. They exploit psychological vulnerabilities to keep people scrolling. I don’t want to encourage anyone to spend more time in environments that may be harming them.
5. Social Media Reduces Privacy and Autonomy
Every interaction on social media is stored indefinitely. Even deleted posts often remain on servers. Facial recognition, behavioral profiling, and AI‑driven prediction models are now standard practice.
By not linking to or embedding social media, I’m choosing not to participate in systems that undermine personal autonomy and digital dignity.
6. Social Media Incentivizes Performative Identity
When everything becomes content, authenticity suffers. People begin to shape their lives around what will get likes, shares, or engagement. This distorts self‑understanding and encourages comparison rather than growth.
JayForrest.org is meant to be a place where ideas stand on their own—without needing to be packaged for virality.
7. A Website Should Be a Sanctuary, Not a Funnel
Many websites treat visitors as traffic to be pushed toward social platforms. I want the opposite. I want this site to be a quiet corner of the internet where you can read, think, and explore without being nudged toward distraction.
- No pop‑ups.
- No tracking.
- No social media pressure.
- Just content
- One Link to My Book
A Different Kind of Digital Space
My decision to avoid social media isn’t about rejecting technology—it’s about using technology intentionally. The internet can be a place for learning, curiosity, and meaningful connection, but only if we resist the forces that turn it into a marketplace for attention.
JayForrest.org is my attempt to create a healthier digital environment—one that respects your privacy, your time, and your mind.
If you find value here, the best way to support the work is simple: Read, reflect, and share it directly with someone you care about.
No algorithms required.