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Social media got us hooked on the likes. The “engagement.”

As users leave, they’ll be less engagement, which could speed the exodus of creative folks on the existing platforms.

So, how will Meta fix this?

“Meta says that it will be aiming to have Facebook filled with AI-generated characters to drive up engagement on its platform, as part of its broader rollout of AI products, the Financial Times reports. The AI characters will be created by users through Meta’s AI studio, with the idea being that you can interact with them almost like you would with a real human on the website.”

This is great news if you can pay your rent with likes. But for the rest of us, “AI-generated characters” won’t be buying our offerings.

They might visit your site, or leave a two word reply, but they’re not buying a ticket to your next show, or attending your gallery opening.

“The latest AI spin from Meta sounds like more of the same: a mix of vague hype, dubious business models, and a baffling sense of what people really want from a social media network.”

This is why we need to get back to talking. Being actual humans.

If I called you right now, could you tell me what you do? Or would you put it to voicemail and avoid the interaction?

Can you talk about your work without fumbling over your words (well I, ummm….), or apologizing (I kinda make this music, like… sometimes…)?

What do you say when a friend asks?
When an art director emails you?
Would you accept an invite to go on a podcast to talk about your work?

Getting better at talking about the real work you do, in the real world, with real people will get you further than some new trendy marketing hack.

Get good at making small talk at social gatherings, and finding the fellow weirdos that are just as awkward as we are (and would rather be home drawing, or writing music).

Try this: make a five minute video or voice note, talking about your work.

The “greats” are great at talking about their work because they’ve been talking about their work for years. I’ve gotten better at this (not great, by any means) because I’ve talked to a lot of people about my work over the last six months (like Claire Venus and Sarah Fay).

That was a lot of Zoom calls, and saying yes to doing interviews and phone calls.

So be bad at it now, and make that five minute clip. No one has to see it. You can even delete it when you’re done.

Maybe script it word for word. Or make notes on index cards. Make five videos. Make an voice note when sitting in your car outside of work. Meet with a friend and practice with them.

Do this now when the stakes are low, so when you do catch a break, and someone asks you to be on their podcast, or join their Zoom call group, or meet for coffee, you’ll feel a little bit more confident.

It’s almost 2025, baby! Speak the creative universe you want to inhabit into existence! Manifest!

After all, we live in a world where “AI-generated characters” exist “to drive up engagement,” so like, maybe we can do whatever we want.

◼️ I’m going to do a mini-workshop in early 2025 about ABOUT pages and talking about our work, handy for Substack and your own (gasp) website! Click here to add your name to the wait list and you’ll be the first to know when it launches.

◼️ Next Escape Pod Zoom call is Thursday, January 2, 2025 at 2pm EST – click here to RSVP.

//SETH

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