What the F Is Happening with Social Media? (And Why You Should Care)

262: “Social media is like sprinkles on top. It's nice to have, but it's not necessary. You would not fill an entire ice cream cone with only sprinkles unless you were high!”In this raw, unfiltered episode, Chelsea unpacks the question on everyone's mind: What the F is going on with social media? She explores the political undercurrents shaping platforms like Meta and TikTok, examines algorithm shifts, questions the ethics of AI, and highlights why diversifying your content strategy is more important than ever.**Snippets** from the episode: We cannot avoid the fact that social media is political. When you look at its founders, how they operate, their board members, where their money goes—you can easily see their values. I want to be known for creating “moving mountains-level” content, not just quick, funny videos. Social media is the sprinkles, but podcasts and newsletters? That’s the actual ice cream. It started to feel like a toxic relationship where Instagram brings you flowers after treating you like shit. These platforms don’t care about your mental health or your income—they care about keeping you addicted. AI-generated models look flawless, but is it ethical? A skincare brand using AI images isn’t the same as seeing a real person using the product. It’s like selling a dream that doesn’t exist. Platforms can disappear overnight. MySpace didn’t resurge. Vine didn’t come back. If you’re building your whole business on TikTok, what happens if it DOES get banned again?This is for you if you’re an entrepreneur or creator navigating the chaos of social media. It’s a reminder that we control our digital footprint—and it’s time to invest in platforms we own, create content with purpose, and align our online presence with our core values.Resources:SubstackSlack & DiscordPatreonWhatsAppEp. 242 The History of Instagram… Time to Delete It?Ep. 244 - Selling Without Social MediaConnect with Chelsea: Website 1:1 Podcast Coaching Launch your podcast with the ultimate podcast launch course - Mic Drop! Instagram Slight Turbulence Substack - the travel magazine you wish existed on the back of airplane seatsReady to launch your very own podcast? Grab my FREE cheat sheet right HERE.Want to send a voice note to the podcast and have Chelsea answer you on air? Do so ⁠HERE⁠.Don't forget to rate, review, and share in the group text. This podcast is free and ratings/reviews and shares are our currency.Connect with Chelsea:Join the SHOOT YOUR SHOT CHALLENGE Aug 25-27th!Enroll in Audacity for $900 off til Aug 27th!Get on the Ultimate Pitch Kit waitlist 🪄☄️ SUPERNOVA waitlist: the thinking lab for the deep thinkers, world-builders, and curious visionaries who see futures that don't exist yet. 💻 Website📜 Footnotes newsletter filled with rabbit holes, zeitgeist synthesis and more💌 The Art of the Ask Podcast📱 IG: ⁠@chelseariffe⁠🧵 Threads: @chelseariffeSupport NFNTW: Your donations help cover costs of running the show; you can help fund NFTNW right HERE. If you're unable to donate financially, share it. It all adds up!Want to sponsor NFTNW? Email [email protected] to discuss partnership packages!