Modern social media feeds are designed to keep you scrolling infinitely. RSS (Really Simple Syndication) offers an escape hatch, returning control of what you consume back to you.
The algorithmic trap
When a platform controls your feed, it prioritizes content that maximizes your time on site. This often means surfacing controversial or high-emotion posts rather than the nuanced, thoughtful writing you actually wanted to read.
The RSS solution
RSS flips the power dynamic. Instead of visiting ten different sites or relying on a social feed to show you updates, you subscribe to a site's RSS feed. When the author publishes something new, it drops directly into your RSS reader.
Getting started with RSS
- Find a reader: Applications like NetNewsWire, Feedly, or Miniflux are excellent starting points.
- Look for the icon: Keep an eye out for the classic orange radio-wave icon on your favorite blogs.
- Curate ruthlessly: Only subscribe to voices that genuinely add value to your day.
- Read at your own pace: Unread counts in an RSS reader aren't an inbox to clear; they are a library waiting for you.
A quieter internet
Switching to RSS means opting out of the attention economy and returning to a more intentional, quieter internet experience.