Going Private While Needing to Remain Public

    

Art by Sylvie McKnight-Milles 

In the interest of growing my social platform, as is now expected in the book publishing industry, I opened an Instagram account in addition to the other social media sites I maintain.

     At first, it was delightful, as a few of my daughter’s college friends began to “Follow” me and I, them. One is an artist, and I enjoy watching his videos as he creates his art. I have connected with my friends as well.

     Then came a string of weird men who look to be about my age, some a bit younger, who have no reason whatsoever to “Follow” me, and yet, they do! I am not famous or known; I am a relative “Nobody.”

     I asked my daughter about this, and she said to “Block” them and to turn my account “Private.” So, I did just that. What was the purpose behind these “Followers?” What did they hope to gain? I have absolutely no desire to connect with someone I do not know.

     I felt invaded and mad that men thought I would be so desperate for “a man” that they would “Follow” me, expecting me to initiate a “Follow Back.” How is this different from some stranger following you to your house? I am in a relationship already, but even if I weren’t, I would feel the same way as I do now. I neither need nor want anyone to “complete me.”

     Now, that being said, all my “Followers” on Twitter are unknown to me in person. We are all part of a Writer’s Community. How do I know they are who they say they are? I don’t. It feels completely different. They share writing prompts, things they are working on, photos of their cats (on #Catturday), and connecting with other writers feels rewarding.

     How do you feel about this subject? Please let me know below. Thank you for reading, and thank you for listening.