How often do you say “no” to things that would interfere with your goals?

The short answer is – all the time.

In my life, I derive enjoyment from researching and writing the long form essay. Articles that dive deeply into an issue, particularly sociopolitical and cultural topics, are a source of great inspiration for myself. The humanities, broadly understood, is my intellectual home.

I am definitely aware of short form content – Instagram and TikTok are the platforms for reels and videos. But I have said no – I have never uploaded a video to TikTok or photos to Instagram. Am I missing out on a larger audience? Yes. Does that disturb me? No.

All different sorts of organisations have an active presence on TikTok and Instagram. I have been asked, over the years, to begin a YouTube channel, or start a podcast. I have thus far said no. Please do not misunderstand – I am aware of the outreach these platforms have, and millions of people view video content, and listen to audio podcasts. Eventually, I will succumb to the rising tide of performative reels on TikTok, and submit my own audiovisual content.

But not just yet.

I am saying no, not because I am a stubborn Luddite, labouring away with obsolete technology in the vain hope my ancient ways will survive. I have had experience in running a weekly radio programme when I was a university student.

As a technical writer with over 30 years experience, user guides have definitely evolved from the one-thousand page printed manual, which nobody reads anyway, to interactive audiovisual pages on the internet. Help guides contain text, but are bolstered by webinars and video presentations. So, it is no secret to me that audience engagement has moved beyond just text.

I say no, because a deep dive into serious issues requires much more than just a TikTok video or Facebook reel. Publishing an examination of an issue requires concentration, not just short term attention spans motivated by clicks on the web.

This year is the 500th anniversary of the German Peasants’ War. A widespread uprising by huge numbers of peasants in feudal Central Europe, this uprising was the largest and most serious rebellion by the lower classes until the 1789 French Revolution.

Frederick Engels, a participant in the German revolution of his times, wrote an extensive analysis of the 1525 popular revolt. Evaluating the political and socioeconomic impact of this uprising was the goal of his book.

Jacobin magazine has published a number of articles evaluating this uprising, its egalitarian aspirations, the role of Martin Luther and the Reformation, the interplay between religious authority and social rebellion, and the long term implications of its eventual defeat. While it was militarily defeated, the egalitarian radicalism of the rebellious peasantry inspired future generations.

We are all at least casually familiar with the figure of Martin Luther, and his sturdy opposition to the Catholic Church. How many of us know about the radical preacher Thomas Münzter, who called for the complete overturning of the feudal social order, invoking Christian doctrine as his justification? A radical theologian, he urged the poor peasants to rise up, to the horror of Martin Luther.

What is the point of all this? It demonstrates that a deep dive into socioeconomic and political issues requires a long form article, and I have barely scratched the surface with the above summary. It is not a topic that can be summarised in a TikTok video.

I am quite certain that a quick YouTube search will return multiple videos on the subject of the German Peasants’ War. If you want to feel a smug sense of self-satisfaction thinking you have proven me wrong, go for it.

I think it is important to counter the short-attention span culture reinforced by social media, and encourage people to slow down, take the time to read, and thus gain a greater understanding of important issues, rather than take advice from social media influencers. After all, the latter are only interested in clicks and likes, which is not the basis for grounding ourselves in an encompassing world view.