In a world where digital platforms have become the main stage for sharing ideas, creativity, and personal expression, I’ve realized that the more healing I’ve done, the less these platforms resonate with me. For many, these spaces are vibrant hubs of connection and entertainment, but my experiences tell a different story. I want to share why I’m almost done with public digital spaces and the unique challenges they pose to creating an authentic, supportive environment.
Most major platforms were created by young entrepreneurs in the United States. This isn’t inherently negative; these platforms were born from innovation and a desire to connect people. But when I look closer, it’s clear that the values and standards governing these spaces are rooted in a specific cultural context—one that often fails to account for the diversity of global values, experiences, and expressions. This US-centric approach to content moderation creates an environment where “universal standards” are, in reality, limited to a narrow worldview.
As someone outside of that culture, I find this restriction on open and honest expression distorts self-expression and sets boundaries around conversations that don’t align with these values. Many of us encounter a kind of imposed censorship when platforms suppress stories that don’t fit these Western norms. The corporatization of these companies, resulting in multimillionaires and billionaires, only amplifies the disconnect. Platforms are built to keep users engaged and profitable through ads, so content is pushed to capture attention and increase screen time, turning users into the product. Platforms, now more than ever, are a massive time sink, consuming hours without adding real value.
Adding to this is the over-reliance on technology, particularly algorithms and AI, to manage and filter content. When platforms use automated systems rather than human interaction, they overlook context and nuance, leading to misjudged content and frustration. This reliance doesn’t solve problems; it creates new ones, with algorithms often restricting free speech and enforcing an impersonal “safety” standard that sanitizes meaningful expression.
One of the most significant reasons I’ve had enough of online spaces is the relentless toxicity I encounter, especially the prevalence of toxic masculinity. Over the years, I’ve been forced to confront this aggression repeatedly. Too often, I see comments that reduce the subjects of my photos to objects, ignoring the artistry and depth behind the image. Ironically, many commenters don’t even realize I’m the photographer and not the model, assuming through a narrow, superficial lens that everything revolves around the objectification of women.
This issue is far more than tiresome; it’s deeply troubling. My repugnance for these interactions comes from hearing, over and over, the stories of women, models, and other professionals in spaces of sacred sexuality and feminine healing. Many of these individuals, exploring deeply personal and often healing work, face a relentless barrage of dismissive and disturbing comments. The remarks reflect the worst aspects of toxic masculinity: stalking, abusive comments, sexually explicit language, and a complete disregard for boundaries. This harassment doesn’t just create discomfort; it transforms online spaces into hostile, unsafe environments, especially for those of us working with vulnerable themes or intimate expressions.
Witnessing and experiencing this aggression is, for me, re-traumatizing. It stirs painful memories and reinforces the hostility that undermines my intent to create safe, open environments for genuine expression. The knowledge that each post risks attracting more of these comments makes me wary of sharing at all. For those of us trying to express the feminine, the sacred, and the artistic, the presence of this toxicity isn’t just unwanted—it’s harmful.
In an ideal world, online platforms would allow people to connect sincerely and respectfully, enabling authentic expression without the threat of degradation. But the reality is that anonymity, while valuable for some, also provides a shield for trolls who seek to harass without accountability. These individuals don’t care about the time, heart, and thought poured into a photo or a story; they see only a blank wall to scrawl on, a surface to desecrate.
And then, there are bots—soulless, automated responses that fill conversations with irrelevant, divisive noise. They turn meaningful posts into battlegrounds of empty words, drowning out any real engagement. The result is that authenticity becomes a fragile hope, easily washed away by waves of negativity, manufactured anger, or mindless interaction.
For me, sharing something heartfelt feels like tossing a delicate flower into a tidal wave of indifference and hostility. Every time I share a post, I hope for it to resonate, to spark a real connection. But the constant barrage of trolls, bots, and anonymity leaves me questioning whether public platforms offer any space for the kind of connection I seek.
My decision to limit my presence on these platforms isn’t about retreating from the world. It’s about choosing a space where my voice is respected, where my work is seen through an appreciative lens, and where I can connect without fear of re-traumatization or judgment. Authenticity is fragile, like a delicate flower needing a protected space to bloom fully. Each image, each word, is a deeper expression of myself, and I believe these expressions deserve to be honored, not commodified for strangers to misunderstand or abuse.
So, instead of sharing in vast, impersonal spaces, I am creating a private, intentional community where people who genuinely care about my work can join me directly. In this space, I am free from the weight of US-centric values, from toxic commentary, and from the constant clamor of trolls and bots. For me, this choice preserves the purity and purpose of my work, and more importantly, offers a space for sincere, supportive connection.
To those who enter this space with me, we share a commitment to authenticity, respect, and the sacred nature of creative expression. Here, we honor each other’s stories, holding space for each other’s experiences. In this sanctuary, I can offer the fullness of my work without compromise, and you can engage with it as it was meant to be: unguarded, respectful, and real. This is the path to true, meaningful connection—a place where our spirits can meet in a shared embrace of creativity and truth.
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