How to feel better on the internet

An online survival guide

Internet Health Check

Recent Meta announcements have left people confused, disgruntled and in 4x5, whether they like it or not… this has us questioning where we want to be online and how we will still “stay connected”, but also stay sane.

Algorithm fatigue and a general distrust in the air when it comes to any organization, company or government is making us all feel uneasy. Pair that with disasters and rising cost of living etc. etc. etc……. it’s got us all clutching our phones to see what the next dreadful event will be.

But that’s not what the internet is for if you ask me!

The internet is for endless exploration into topics and hobbies, it’s for chatting to someone on the other side of the world who you have an insane amount in common with. It’s for accessing things that my 15 year old self would have killed for and it’s for carving out a space where you can share globally with like minded people and even ditch the 9-5 if you feel that way inclined.

The internet used to be light - it was double rainbow guy!

Now it’s doomier than an Electric Wizard album.

So what are we as an online society to do?

Audit your online habits and curate the experience the same way you would your group of friends.

What’s the saying…you are a reflection of the 5 people you hang out with?

So ask yourself, who and where are you hanging out online and how is that serving you?

You are reading this which means you’ve discovered the wonderful world of Substack.

Congratulations, it’s nice here.

A recent video of mine brought in a lot, and I mean a lot, of new people and that is just so cool! It feels like a movement and i’m stoked that so many photogs are here on the platform.

I’ve been trying to keep up with all the new Substacks being created so if you want to share yours with me please do - I would love to have a look!

So what are the steps we can take to make sure we don’t end up really hating the online spaces we once loved?

Make it your mission to find people online who really make you feel good!

Unfollow the neg vibes and protect your peace by curating the spaces you hang out online and what you actively decide to watch and more importantly, interact with.

I had someone message me something last week and I could have gone mental but I just was like, thanks, cool, bye. No point in my day being ruined because someone else is an asshole you know?

Our online energy can sometimes be way harsher than our IRL one and it’s important to remember that the online world is still real life, in fact it’s kind of our whole lives now. It’s consuming us, literally.

So don’t be passive in this situation and instead save your internet time for the things you really fucking love, or fill it with other forms of media like podcasts which so often provide so much value and food for thought.

Podcasts are the modern day version of catching up for a coffee or ringing a friend (obviously you can still actually do those things but our busy lives often leave less time for this.)

Everytime you open threads or X do you just get pissed off? Maybe just get rid, bye!

Having this online self awareness is the only way to still keep a foot in this world but still live a healthy lifestyle and embrace the good parts of the Internet.

So here are my internet happy places and what I try and stick to.

When I’m not doing these things I try and read, make lists on paper (an obsession of mine), get outside, see a movie, listen to music or have a conversation (I love to talk can you tell?)

• Substack - I look forward to many publications and I never feel bad or yucky on this platform.

• YOUTUBE - My one true love (after Lux) Youtube is like the greatest creation of modern time. Having your own TV show basically and watching other weirdos have their own TV show about a hyper specific topic is 100% my happy place.

• Podcasts - like I said it’s the modern day convo and I love that it allows me to be privy to so many chats between amazing people.

• Voice messages - I love a VM. Everyday I chat to someone somewhere in the world about photog stuff, movies, life, parenting just whatever. It’s a nice little morsel of connection in my busy day and it keeps me motivated to keep putting myself out there and believing in humanity. I bet you’ve never heard anyone speak so fucking highly of VM’s before? Lol.

That’s it, my internet wellness check is those platforms because they make me feel inspired, happy, positive and motivated.

So it’s your turn to Marie Kondo the shit out of your online life and ditch the apps or people who are bringing you down!

Things I found that will maybe spark joy for you on the internet

So last issue I shared this same channel but it just keeps coming out with the BEST advice for creatives! This video is a great reminder on embracing the free flowing nature of creativity and how masterpieces in our lifetime weren’t “perfect” but that’s what makes them so great!

Okay, this might come off as a shameless plug but I really do think more people should have seen this video - it seemed to just be totally buried on YT or maybe people don’t care about curating their own photography? Either way it’s full of tips and for those of you who aren’t in the position to book in for a portfolio review with me this is the next best thing!

If you are like me and you can’t afford to travel right now then why not live vicariously through Matt Loves Cameras with this video below. or if you are lucky enough to travel then you can access his free Japan Travel Guide too!

Okay so I love podcasts and whilst this might not be everyones bag I really enjoyed this Rick Rubin interview with the somewhat infamous Adam Mosseri (I know you prob just think oh I hate him but give it a chance).

Rick Rubin’s approach to the whole discussion is really different to what the usual one would be when interviewing someone so prominent in tech/social media. It made me understand and think a little bit differently about him and the platform and I think understanding something is important even if you heavily dislike it.

If this one doesn’t vibe with you there are plenty more guests to choose from.

We have a new podcast in town! I’m such a believer in celebrating people who get out of their comfort zone and give something a go so have a listen to this first episode of Between the Frames, covering the sometimes toxic nature in the photography community but balanced out with helpful tips to combat it. There are some great and very relatable anecdotes here that will likely resonate with a lot of you who have put yourself and your work out there.

The other thing about the internet that is positive is how much we can learn! It’s pretty crazy how much is out there on YouTube and what you can teach yourself through videos.

I have just finished a course on street photography by the legend Andre Wagner and it’s such a great watch as he is so cool and chill and it’s so awesome to see people out in the field doing their thing. I feel like I’m really into watching people do street photography but yet to really get out there and do it fully myself and this course was a good motivator.

If you wanna watch this course for FREE you can get 30 days of Skillshare by using this link and give yourself that time to learn some new skills and create better online habits than mindless scrolling!

2025 is the year I learn and interact with my creativity (even if it’s just for me) more!

I hope this issue has helped you to reframe your mind when it comes to being online. It’s not all bad and we can make it work for us - we are in control of what we decide to engage with so keep that in mind.

Thank you for reading and take care. As always let me know what you thought and feel free to share this if it felt good for you.

Love Lucy xx