Why I Pulled Back From Social Media (And You Should Too)

My message is simple: Don't miss out on life. Take back control of your attention.
As I attempt to integrate short form content into the Berm Peak ecosystem, I'm more convinced than ever: The less time I spend on social media, the better I feel.
Clearly, social media is essential for my career to even exist, and I have it to thank for the rise of KZbin, and the existence of "creators" in the modern sense. But what originally started as a way to communicate with friends and a way to find interesting content, has become a battle for our attention.
AI is exceptionally good at making predictions like "what shapes and noises will cause this user to continue being engaged". It works well enough to do exactly that, and what I consistently find is that it starts with content I want to see, and then smuggles in the "potato chips" it knows I'll watch. Imagine if your refrigerator had an algorithm that did the same thing.
I must be clear that I'm not directing this at the many talented creators on KZbin Short, Reels, and TikTok who make thoughtful, funny, and inspiring content. In fact, I believe they are the solution. If I could choose to see just them, I would probably still use apps like Instagram and TikTok.
Anyway, this has been eating me alive lately, and I might even be salty about the expectation that creators post to all of these platforms to stay relevant. I've stopped trying to come up with vertical content, and so I just post it when I think of something organically now.
Free yourself from the algorithm and join us on Substack! 🚲 bermpeak.substack.com
Videos 2 weeks early • Exclusive articles • Discussions • You’re in control!
The Berm Peak Ranger Station on Airbnb 🏡 www.airbnb.com/rooms/50301108...
Berm Peak Hoodies, Beanies, Jerseys, Shirts
cognativemtb.com/collections/...
Check out our second channel for more of the same / @bermpeakexpress
Instagram / sethsbikehacks
Facebook / sethsbikehacks
Music in this video is from
share.epidemicsound.com/trQSg

[@Jack-tu3sx]

I think this is the most important videos I saw today. Am am 17 years old and stay the heck away from TikTok and Instagram for the exaxt same reasons. Every time i found myself watching short form content for a long period of time I always felt my brain and mental health were just taking a nosedive. That is exactly why I still watch your videos after have practially given up mountainbiking as a hobby. They are not optimized for the algorithm, but chill and informative and educational. Please, Seth, keep up the really good work and thank you for this video!!

[@TheROOTminus1]

I deleted Insta, never signed up to tiktok, and turned off watch history on YT. I'd ditch FB completely if it wasn't the primary method of communication with family. Even with those measures I still find myself doomscrolling, and feel disgusted with myself every time I do

[@pastaalalamborghini]

Dust off the MTB bro, come ride

[@Ly..]

Yeah same

[@SimonBauer7]

​@@TheROOTminus1ah yes watch history is turned off for me too.

[@excitedeevee3138]

I am exactly the same as the dude in the initial post, down to our age. I wanted to comment and help more people find this video because he is the only one who said what needs to be said. Thanks, Seth.

[@gman6059]

Man, Seth, you have never been more correct. Thanks for making this.

[@dougdewar7896]

cannot agree more - thanks

[@eitonakano3078]

I agree so hard

[@AgentJayZ]

One of the best videos ever !

[@explorenaked]

Oh yeah. I only use KZbin because as of today, I'm still in control. Most of what I watch is educational. I watch Seth to learn to be a better MTBer. Never had a FB, IG, or TT account and I never will. Still, I spend too much time in front of a screen. Whether for work or entertainment, it's still too much.

[@joshingwithyahaha]

Keep it that way! Plus, stuff like FB, TT, and Instagram steal your data so it's best to not be on those platforms!@@explorenaked

[@maxlarock8788]

Seth, you are one of those rare KZbinrs who genuinely cares about your audience. I’m 15 years old. I have 3 siblings, one older (18) who regularly uses social media. I’m my family my parents don’t allow us to use social media until 16, but honestly I’ve gotten too curious about what’s on it, and how so many people get dragged into it. I downloaded Instagram to see and immediately got sucked into crazy lifestyles and useless things I can’t stop watching. I deleted it. I turn 16 in a month and my brother is like “Max you excited to get social media when your turn 16? When you get it you’re gonna get all the girls!” In my mind if it comes down to hours upon hours adding up to days wasted on a life consuming platform in return for a couple of friendships or connections, I’d rather spend those many wasted days on education or learning a new skill. If you used social media your whole life, imagine adding up all the hours, to days, which turn into YEARS spent on a complete waste you never remember!

[@rickbiessman6084]

It must seem extreme nowadays to keep your kids away from social media, but your parents definitely have a point and it’s awesome to see that you got it immediately! And that actually WILL put you ahead of many people your age.

[@georgeguiney3454]

@@rickbiessman6084 honestly it should be normal, same reason you don't give your 7 year old a bottle of whiskey or a cig, you shouldn't have them hooked on ipads before they can even walk!

[@Jer_Schmidt]

This is possibly the most well-articulated and solid take on social media and algorithms I’ve ever seen. Especially that fridge algorithm bit - that’s exactly how it works. I’ve ditched everything but KZbin at this point, and even KZbin can be unhealthy for me at times. Thanks for the video and thanks for making healthy content.

[@adam03753]

Big compliment coming from Jer Schmidt.

[@MehYam2112]

Your analogy with the junk food fridge is spot-on. There’s a place for garbage and guilty pleasures, but when a company’s business model revolves around promoting an unhealthy addiction, the product is poisoned.

[@lisashiela9137]

Consume, inoculate every mandated medication and obey.

[@fixieebro]

I'm a HS teacher and will show this to my students- I've been watching you for years and always appreciate you keeping it real. Thanks Seth

[@bikeislife8405]

How did it go?

[@plakataTV]

I've been a fan of Seth's bike hacks since the Miami days. This is the best and most important video he's ever made. Explaining such a difficult subject isn't easy.

[@PawlNguyen]

Dude, it been inspiring to watch you go from a cursing, no helmet wearing, IDGAF guy to the person you’ve become today. Thanks for always keeping things real!

[@the_Novelist]

That last shot was genius...sitting quietly in a chair, alone with your thoughts, not with a phone in your hand being told what to think. You literally NEVER see this anymore from anyone.

[@fourtraxing7910]

Exactly

[@DEAR7340]

Agreed. When you have the ability to be present, you are viewed as a curiosity these days.

[@griffjoyce5836]

You missed the “I chose the healthy option” nod while he ate the banana. Genius indeed.

[@brum23]

Go to any airport lobby and you’ll see plenty of people just sitting there with their thoughts

[@3DPrintTechDesign]

Also, he shows he’s a monkey (human) and not a lizard 🦎

[@bkxc]

I’ve done pretty good with getting away from short form, but I’m sad to say I find myself doing the same thing with longform podcasts. I’m trying to fill every second with something enriching and educational instead of just sitting with my thoughts. The problem is only 1 out of 10 podcasts actually make me think or really get me laughing. It’s crazy how your subconscious will be so addicted to something while your conscious mind just floats along for the ride. At least I’ve been able to recognize my behavior and try to change it up.

[@SethsBikeHacks]

I tend to do the same with podcasts, and so audiobooks have filled the void on drives or before bed.

[@craigcoffey3601]

Audio books are great, though not actually reading the words makes me have to go back '30 seconds' a lot or listen to the same story a few times to absorb it all. And I am the same with Facebook as you Seth, I only look at market place,... I think if they set market place as a stand alone Facebook would lose at least a quarter of its users 🤣 cheers for the vids 👍

[@Lizlodude]

@@craigcoffey3601 Maybe that's why I don't like audiobooks? I'm always reading in like 3 different spots to fill in what I missed and I can't do that if someone else is reading it lol

[@herculesmclovin]

I suggest Blindboy Podcast 👍 It can't really be explained.. but I think it will help 🙏 x

[@JamesEvans97]

Holy shit. A MTB youtuber just made the best AI-social media take downs I've ever seen. Well done Seth. And thanks - from a guy who used to work for a content optimization startup.

[@gabrielleannacormierart]

I’m not a mountain biker and I love your content! My husband (who is a mountain biker) watches your videos every week and this has become something we enjoy doing together. We learn something every week and if not, we are definitely entertained. You’re funny, your dog is cute and after watching this video, I can also say I appreciate your approach to social media. This video said it all and then some! Thank you for saying it like it is and for being one of many who create quality content here on YT. Your content definitely encourages us to get outside as often as we can 😊

[@AlexeyPapoi]

This was an amazing video. It literally made me rethink what the heck I am doing with my life. As a 14-year-old, I shouldn't be watching memes for 2 hours straight I should be out riding more. I just went and unsubscribed from all of the noninformative channels and just cleaned my feed, so I don't get random crap. Thank you so much! Instead of watching KZbin for the next 3 hours, I am going to go ride my bike with my friends to improve my mental and physical strength and have fun. Thank you!

[@sk8xaq]

Exactly! Good for you!

[@armadillito]

Well done. Keeping the social media habit in check takes near constant maintenance but it’s worth it.

[@zacharysandstrom8334]

Sounds like you're headed in the right direction! I'd also encourage you to remember that the issue is really the algorithm that MAKES your feed, not what is in your feed right now. While it's possible to re-train the algorithm for better content, it's extremely difficult to do and may not work. If you don't get the outcome you're looking for, or you still think you're spending too much time on it, don't be afraid to do exactly as is shown in the video: delete the app. It's the only guaranteed way to escape the algorithm, and you can always reinstall it later. I've worked as a data scientist / ML engineer for the better part of a decade. Mine and my coworkers' job is to save/make money for companies by training computers to outperform humans . We're good at it, but we're nowhere near as good as Google/TikTok/FB/etc. So if you "feel the pull" to doomscroll memes for a couple hours, it can help to remember that you feeling that way is an engineered experience meant to make money for someone else.

[@JohnDough-yr2zt]

You’re 14 years old? Suuuuure you are.

[@AlexeyPapoi]

@@JohnDough-yr2zt Yeah i turned 14 exactly a week ago

[@s1096cm2]

Hey Seth, I am a 43 yo father, husband, son and business owner. Without typing a book let me explain why I completely agree with you. One year ago last month I realized I had enough. it wasn't the social media it was me getting caught up in it. I used to make RC related content luckaly or maybe not I never blew up like you so I had no monitary investment reasons to continue it so I stoped. I deleted all social medias except KZbin. Most importantly I got rid of my smart phone and got a phone called the Light Phone II. I bought a laptop and now only watch KZbin on my laptop because it makes me have to pull it out intentionally, do what I want to then close it and walk away. it has been totally life changing for me although I do think back and the first month was pretty bad with "withdrawal". My health both mental and physical has improved a lot, once I figured out what to do constructivly with all the free time. It has been wild seeing and running into people that are totally different from one another that share no like interests laking about the same "tictoks" or other content that they are being fed. its wild when I see people being polarized politically, and there reasons and arguments are completely entangled in social media ideologies. Anyway just dropping by to show this video some love and let you know I totally understand where you are coming from and thanks so much for making this video. Wish you all the best Seth keep it real boss!

[@JimmyB463DP]

EXACTLY!! Social Media as a whole has become mind control. I dumped all of my other platforms and watch KZbin only, on my terms. No more “death scrolling”, and no more heated debates about topics I have no interest in to begin with, but only desire to be “heard”! Thanks for the ride today !

[@Thatbeetle]

You're bang on. KZbin is my most used social media platform by a long way. I gave up on the others a long time ago when they just keep repeating the same garbage over and over. The worst thing I see though is when people are out with others at concerts, restaurants etc and they still have their phone in their hand and looking at it or videoing everything. Put the phone down, look around you, talk to that other human you're with and enjoy the moment.

[@geeadventures]

This video is amazing, videos like yours are getting harder and harder to find and are being replaced with “ridiculous” videos that AI determined will get more watch time and waste people’s lives. Please keep doing what you are doing. We are here ❤

[@williamreinhard]

I'm seeing it more and more on KZbin, too. Not just with shorts. I pretty much only watch videos of a few hobbies I have like woodworking and photography, but still my suggested videos are full of stupid shit I never watch. Doesn't matter how many times I tell them I'm not interested, there's always more.

[@raulschwarz1626]

i appreciate your take and your willingness to tackle what will likely be the major problem of this generation. excellent creative video also :)

[@sladoid]

Why does your generation never use capital letters? It shows your age, not in a good way.

[@throbbinwoodofcoxley6830]

@@sladoidI personally don’t know the generation that person is from, but I’m sure it’s not Gen X. We know how to grammar and punctuate, as well as spell and capitalize.

[@Mike_Rogge]

@@sladoid In the short messages of systems such as SMS, capital letters and punctuation imply a more serious tone which is often undesired

[@icantgivecredit871]

It's the Web, though, so that can be forgiven. Besides, every generation has a cohort with undesirable habits. For example, plenty of Gen X people handwrite in all caps for some unexplained reason. @@sladoid

[@rubenmarin3390]

Yours is one of the few channels I let my kids watch, due to language in most mtb videos, I love the message here!

[@simongatchell8759]

I don’t know that I’ve ever subscribed or liked a channel, but I did after this video. I’ve watched so many of your videos, but the transparency and honesty in this video got me. Seth, thank you so much for being real, authentic, and vulnerable in a world that is increasingly going the other way. Keep it up 🤟🏼

[@thomasseymour4190]

Not bummed out at all; in fact you’ve earned a subscriber. Thank you from another human who feels the same way. I’m a small business owner in the the bike industry and am constantly being told to embrace social media to expand my business, but in good conscience, just can’t.

[@abody499]

nice one, sir. I'm also glad to see there are still people like you!

[@jayesh5131]

Sir, If it's for business social media is a good thing. There is nothing wrong in that , even Seth uses Insta but only for business purposes 😊

[@brianmaness3087]

I almost never comment ..... As a father of 16 and 11yo kids who also watch your channels, I can't express enough how important it is for respected figures like you to have this conversation. I 100% agree with your metaphor about sm being the next cigarettes. Except dangerous in a different way, in that it just makes us dumb... bad people, which is harder to recognize. THANKS for having conversations that others don't want to!

[@GreenShortzDIY]

Well said, Seth! Thank you for this commentary. I shared with my 18-year-old son, who was listening in. He told me he had recently deleted Instagram. Love your videos. They also inspired me (and said son) to drive up for a day at Berm Park. Keep making great videos.

[@askee2572]

100% thanks for posting. A great reminder…after another several hours of my life never to return. With nothing to show for it. Truly hate the shorts and they won’t let you get rid of them.

[@diarrhea6344]

Love you Seth. Youre like a wise father figure/ older friend that i never had. Im glad you have kids. They will grow up in a better home than most other kids these days.

[@sailortristan]

❤

[@jayesh5131]

Yeah, Seth definitely feels like an older friend who only wants good things to happen to us ❤️‍🩹

[@AussieMozzaMan]

This ungodly true and disturbing that you put in words so well! This is a great vid! Can't wait to see more about the mtbs later!

[@rosshall5448]

Please don’t leave KZbin. Your videos helped me through the lockdowns and still help with my mental health. Thank You ☺️.

[@RyanRKJ]

“What you want to watch vs what you will watch” is an important idea. I have found I need to be careful with social media, as a lot of it does not make me happy. Also, this video finally got me to subscribe. I don’t have a mountain bike, but watch your videos sometimes.

[@loukarwoski309]

So on point with this. As a father I feel especially strong about limiting Social Media for my kids. We don’t let our kids have their own phones or iPads so they don’t get sucked into the nonsense. It’s hard enough for my adult brain to avoid cat videos. They aren’t ready for it lol.

[@AngelImproves]

What a Dad👏

[@Mis0ph0nia]

Started watching Seth years ago for MTB videos. But man. I LOVE that he is getting as old and "grumpy" as i am 😆 Great video as always and i love the way your channel has evolved 🤟

[@abody499]

grumpy? I call it being real.

[@jayesh5131]

Grumpy😢 More like Usefull and Guiding 😊

[@Mis0ph0nia]

@@jayesh5131 Which is why it "grumpy". Im not english, so it might have a more negative vibe to you than it has for me. I LOVE that he speaks his mind and goes "against the flow".

[@Mis0ph0nia]

@@abody499 Which is why its "grumpy" and not grumpy. I LOVE that he stays true to himself.

[@jayesh5131]

@@Mis0ph0nia Grumpy simply means , bad tempered and irritating. That is definitely not Seth 🍀

[@JClark2600]

100% Seth I’ve been watching your vids since you talk about building your first backyard trail. RIP Paul the Punter and others. I am glad Alex is back and so on that note I do still have hope for educational and immersive content. Thanks for all you do Seth.

[@crunkgringo7641]

I can count how many times I have commented on a video on both hands and I have been watching KZbin for a very long time. I chose to comment on this video because it is so accurate and should be used as a tool to remind people that consumption is consumption and too much of any one thing is very bad for you. The fridge analogy sold it for me. I fear the social media generation that is upcoming and that my kids belong to. I try to keep my young kids outside and active, in real life, but it is hard to tear them away from their dopamine factories... It's hard to tear me away from my dopamine factories...

[@MarvinWestmaas]

Thank you for this video, it's so nice to hear this from someone in your position who actually relies on social media for your livelihood. Btw, I *hate* any platform which think that portrait mode is the way the go.

[@SamrudhDixit]

As a humanities doctoral student I follow many thought provoking channels and ONE cycling channel, yours! And you are the only one who addressed this issue with such clarity we can all relate too. Kudos to your work!

[@Sethican]

IT engineer here… holy cow you’re right on! This is definitely one of the best non-tech explanations of these algorithms. Props to you on this video

[@cccycling5835]

Holy sh*t the opening skit was 👌 perfect Social media is a double edged sword just like most innovative technology. On the one hand, people can be horrible to each other. On the other hand it shows me things I would have never thought to search for, that are amazing and improve my experience of life. For example: I love this channel but I’m neither a Mountain Biker or a KZbinr. Self awareness is what we should be teaching. To everyone. Of all ages and interests.

[@mushmanadventures]

Seth, I have supported you from the start (Dropper post, Amazon) and was one of your first 100 subs. I gotta say, you are doing one hell of a job! I love how you have evolved, every video gets better. Story telling, cinematography , script edit, all of it is getting better. You have come a long way from a tiny apt in Miami!!!

[@felixkortekamp8791]

Seth your words „ it makes me feel like garbage“ brings it exactly to a point. I delete Instagram and TikTok I felt exactly like that and it prevented me from focusing on university and Hobby’s. It’s also interesting that I almost had the exact feed you showed and I’m from Germany.

[@judebrown4103]

Oh my goodness I couldn't agree more. I'm 65 and ostensibly only use FB for keeping in touch with and living vicariously through my more able bodied friends. I've found it helpful for things like renewable energy groups, village groups to keep in touch with my neighbours. I'm stuck indoors a lot of the time and watching your channel and others got me "out" and makes me laugh or educates me. The only problem is I'm subbed to so many channels it's actually hard to be loyal to them all. You're so right about the algorilla becoming more aggressive lately. I thought I had good self discipline not being of the TikTok age but I have also found that I've succumbed to the wretched KZbin short video tunnel and amusing animals or car crashes on FB. The awful thing is as you say, you only have to watch one horse unlocking its stable door, picking up a hose and cooling down it's friend the pig (I made that up but you know what I mean!) that you find you've been watching dozens of cute horse vids before you know it. It is particularly awful for me because the only social media I use is fb and yt for information and help *but* my chronic illness involves severe memory problems. The slightest distraction can send me on the wrong path, I forget why I switched on in the first place and *crucially* I waste valuable energy on flim-flam. It's a serious problem that impacts the rest of my daily life yet KZbin particularly was a real help to me. I acquired a second hand (used I believe you chaps say) electric car because of yt. I'm learning about sustainable domestic heating and that has led me to a Facebook group which is very informative. But now all these distractions have burst onto my screen I'm finding it really hard to concentrate on my original intentions. So yes you are so right, this problem is a very serious issue and for me it's not just a case of switching everything off. If I did that my life would shrink dramatically and I would no longer have recourse to all these wonderful ideas for saving this beautiful planet that you get... and give ...such joy from playing in! Thank you for posting, this is a very important topic. I'm sorry I've not been very loyal to your channel of late but you were instrumental in encouraging me to get out so another channel made me realise an e-bike is for me. So when I'm "well" I go out with friends, however I've not been "well" this past year and watching your delight in the outdoors actually became depressing so I had to give your channel a rest. I hope you still consider me a loyal subscriber even though the last I can remember of your adventures you'd just about recovered from a nasty leg break and I think congratulations were in order for a new baby. I expect they've grown a bit now but I wish you well Seth @Berm Peak and thank you for bringing this to everyone's attention.👍🙏

[@mamashecrazy7423]

Thank you for commenting and telling your story. I see Seth gave you a thumbs up, too. I am a little older and not in your situation, but can definitely identify with all you say. Glad you came back to the channel. ❤

[@pizzamandellaxx6979]

soo correct. Not only what you mentionned , but also the fact that those video's only show the best moments in ppl's life. This makes a lot of (mostly younger) people feel incomplete and insecure about themselves

[@BT_Motorized]

I didn’t realize how good of a person Seth was until I saw todays video. His videos are always informational, and he make me motivated to get out doors. Heck, he even got me into mountain biking, and I’ve now been riding for the past 4 years and just took in my dream bike. A 2024 trek fuel ex 9.9 xo T-type. So Seth, I don’t know if you will ever see this comment, but I just wanted to thank you for all that you do

[@MrUled]

This is such a thoughtful and well articulated view of the issues with tech these days. Very good metaphor with the food as well. Thanks seth

[@bradenknudson2033]

This is right in line with how I have been feeling lately. Thanks for putting it in words!

[@johnloizos3902]

Dude, I agree 100%! I don't know how many times I have thought recently "where did the past hour go? what did I just see?". Keep it up the memorable, valuable content! Thanks.

[@JorgeMoli]

This needed to be said. Always act on principle regardless of outcome. The food changing to junk food analogy was brilliant.

[@giorgiotortarolo7164]

It's great to hear these words from you! Tools are only tools, what's staying is the passion of getting out and doing stuff. We will surely speak about all this as we do now for cigarettes - and maybe we'll learn something :)

[@alpham777]

At least cigarettes were enjoyable for awhile lol.

[@BraydenWolframe]

Honestly I couldn't agree more. I've spent my entire life away from social media apart from KZbin and I don't regret it. I've seen the zombies that social media has made out of my friends and can't stand it. Last summer I even switched to a flip phone to reduce my screen time even more. You should see the heads that turn when people see a 20 year old with a flip phone 😆. And Seth, if it wasn't for your channel I probably would have never mustered up enough courage to go and shred my local trails!

[@auburnaviator6167]

One of the best videos posted recently. Thanks Seth for taking the time to reinforce what the majority of us already know about the majority of vertical social media content and the other content platforms.

[@cyclonasaurusrex1525]

Biting the hand that feeds you!! Incredibly impressive that you choose to do the right thing-that you think my well-being is more important than money. My god, man, massive kudos to you.

[@puntoycoma47]

We stopped watching Seth for the MTB content years ago, don't get me wrong, it is still top notch. But the life advice and storytelling are way better

[@JohnDough-yr2zt]

@@puntoycoma47that’s pretty much exactly what I said.

[@puntoycoma47]

@@JohnDough-yr2zt Well I didn't read thru all the comments to vet mine lol

[@humansfornewearth]

I'm literally in tears. To speak such truth from your perspective is powerful. I feel better as a subscriber knowing you feel this way. Thank you so much for sharing. There is a quality to your content that doesn't turn your audience into zombies. I'm about to go shred some trails with some friends. Deep respect.

[@briansmobile1]

Seth, you're awesome! I've been a creator on KZbin for 16 years now. I turned down monetization 3 times in the very beginning because YT was an oasis FROM ads back in the "broadcast yourself" days. Your video didn't bum me out at all I was "AMEN!'n and yell'n- Say it brother!" though the whole thing. I cheered when you deleted Tik Tok! This needs to be said. I was made aware of the watch time switch in an invitation meeting put on by YT in 2016 and my first thought was "this is BAD for viewers AND society and will be bad for YT in the long run." It was also funny that they were staring the white man bad vibe and pushing anything opposite of that. AND in the meetings they couldn't skip the ads on the example videos they showed us. I thought that was tacky and weird given we were limited on time being there. Long format was good for me at the time- as most my content was long form already anyway to cover the repairs I was teaching, but this was on the heals of the bad marketing to kids years that the gov't shut down. I felt they were going from one unhealthy strategy to another.

[@Commander_ZiN]

You've gotten me repairing and riding bikes, for myself and for and with others in the past few months. It started with a couple of vids on belt drive trains and huge one bys and crazy ebike gear boxes. Because I like learning and tech. After a few bike related tech vids I got your video on cheap grips, I bought a cheap ZTTO grip with lines on it because it reminded me of my old BMX grip with I loved the feel of and my old early 90's mountain bike the grips hurt. I bought them as mere inspiration, to fix, upgrade and ride bikes, to look at on a shelf in the garage as a reminder and it's worked. I realised my old bike has a bent quill stem and when I replaced it realised it was broken inside. After raising it I tried the ZTTO but then decided they looked too fancy and modern for the bike and decided to keep them as inspiration to look at the crazy new array of mountain bike types, maybe I'd use them later on my old bike or a new bike, but with the raised handlebars the old grips felt much better. I don't think the bike has ever run so good. I later got a $35 AUD rusty hardtail from about 2007, a GT Chucker 2.0 with Manitou Circus forks, it had melted grips so the ZTTO's will probably go on there. While I have watched too many bike videos on repair, often 10 times more than I need for each job, I learn tips from each one. However out of all the youtube hobbies I've picked up, this has been the most beneficial. I've repaired multiple bikes in the family and I'm getting more and more requests all the time, it's not just me you've gotten riding but several more who never saw your videos. I constantly try to reduce my YT usage, I've switched to listening to podcasts on a different platform which helps. I've cancelled premium due to their price hike but the annoying ads make me turn it off, so I don't block them, although the predatory ones YT should deal with. I don't touch other social media at all, because it's all negative. While YT has some positive effects, I fail to see any positives in other platforms. Anyway a really awesome video and a very important message. Devs use psychology and lots of money and data against us, it's not fair. Which is why I have a weekly reminder that says "Reduce Phone Usage! Devs create Apps to steal your day! Keep thinking, they're manipulating you for your time, claim it back! (Skim vid first, ask if worth time)" Yours were worth the time, for the inspiration to go outside, thankyou from the bottom of my and my families heart :)

[@JoyJasonRides]

I agree with you 💯 % I’m not on Facebook, IG, or TikTok for a reason. I won’t learn anything there. KZbin has some of the most amazing content creators (such as yourself) I enjoy watching and learn from. Keep up the great work!

[@davidgrammerstorf9433]

I couldn't agree more. You've done a better job than anyone I've found describing the problem with social media algorithms clearly and in an engaging way. I have these kinds of conversations with my teenage boys, but seeing a MTB KZbinr they adore talk about these issues will be powerful. I look forward to the family chat we have after they all see it. Thank you Seth!

[@elbowspeak]

This is the message we all need to hear. Less screen more riding, being with family, reading, and creating. Thanks Seth!

[@dariocontreras5315]

Hadn’t seen your videos in a pretty long time. Respect for looking out for your audience. Love from Mexico 🇲🇽

[@pauldelarzac615]

This is such a battle with my teenage kids. Thank you Seth. I made them watch your video for “home” homework and we will discuss it at dinner on Tuesday.

[@ThatDude7788]

Its a good day when theres a new berm peak vid

[@MeLikeAlmondButter]

Hey Seth, I'm 16, always lacked self improvement in some areas and didn't really care too much, and every time I hop on media I get that feeling that i'm just gonna get sucked into it for too long and end up doing nothing and also didn't care too much there. Seen this vid and It really changed my perspective on media. Every time I would want to go on my phone to search someth'n up, I instantly forget it and go to like tiktok or facebook to see if my comments got any reacts or replies and get caught up on watching short vids. This video caught my attention, and I'm glad you sent this out there, No amount of explanation could specifically tell how I feel now about what to do, but I just want to say Thank you. I feel like I actually wanna do something and that tomorrow's gonna be a great day.

[@larrydallmann6527]

Seth, we (my 13y/o son and I) have been watching you for years! Your content is amazing! This is the most moving video to date! We just picked up two enduro bikes to shred in the PNW thanks to influence by you… we are outside and active! Thanks for all you do!!

[@HOV4N]

Hey Seth, this is a great video! I believe another platform out there had a conversation about this also but they offended some people. The fact is, social media is world-wide and there is absolutely nothing you can do to change what people (and kids) put out as their content. I actually deleted my fb a year ago and it has helped me tremendously in just finding myself. I was drawn into what other people are doing, rather than just doing ME. Mountain biking has been a big positive in my life and I’m going to continue to keep it like that 🚲🚲🚲 RIDE ON!

[@Josukegaming]

I feel the same way about it Seth, it's genuinely painful what TikTok and Instagram has done to people's attention spans. You really have to be intentional to not allow yourself to get dragged into the algorithm doom scrolling hell. I only occasionally use Instagram for posting a picture or two and seeing what my close friends are up to, but it's so dangerous when you get one suggested post to not let yourself get dragged into the TikTok style suggestions never ending scrolling.

[@dreweby2580]

you didn’t even watch the full video and commented

[@Josukegaming]

I got the point he was going for halfway through and wanted to comment before I forgot what I wanted to say.@@dreweby2580

[@donsutherland8766]

I agree with you Seth. I've got a few years on you and see the positives in social media but I also see family members foregoing real experiences to watch other people living. For the record, your videos do inspire me to ride more and I generally binge watch yours when it's either dark or too much winter outside. If you ever get the opportunity, think about making some fat bike riding videos in less than ideal (snowy) weather conditions.

[@Purelambs]

First video I have watched of this channel - you have a new subscriber! Could not agree more with the deterioration of the social app space, one thing I have observed is the loss of hobbies amount my mates due to an increasing importance they place on the online profile. Does it look good in photos or push the curated image? No? Then it isn't scheduled in their life. I see a huge shift in their thinking in a few years time when they realise the skills they have neglected to build. As I get older I can't help but think that there will be a time where we look back and wonder why on earth we put effort into social apps at all - the asbestos of the internet. Getting out on the bike for me is super fulfilling without needing to share to anyone, a feeling which is now growing to nearly all topics in my life. If I am honest, its basically a fashion/lifestyle arms race with a never ending finish line 😊

[@ms.kristin6909]

Thank you Seth, your videos play on our family tv on repeat-a ton of the time. But for those moments our son has a swiping device in his hands, thank u for making this video! You get him outside! Your channel has been such a blessing to our family & our son’s life.

[@moritzschlegel9526]

This is one of the best, down to earth Videos ive seen. I think so many creators live in sort of a bubble where everything has to be perfect, especially their world which is social media. Getting an honest, realistic perspective from the inside is almost impossible. Thank you for this incredible piece of educational work, the Internet needs it.

[@gizzy2014]

I feel the same about tik tok, and delted the app the first day i had it when it came out. Sadly i have realized that the shorts are getting me all the time on other apps. Thanks for calling it as it is. Keep up the great videos.

[@DirtCraftMTB]

I've watched your videos off-and-on since you first rode your bikes in Florida. Today, you earn my subscription. (you've been good all along, but this was EXACTLY what people needed to hear) Thank you.

[@jasonc2785]

This may be the best video I've ever watched on KZbin. Period. Seth's videos are always top-notch, but this was on another level for me. I had the same realization about IG a couple of years ago and haven't looked back. You perfectly captured my personal challenge with social media. And, in an entertaining, captivating way, as always. Thank you!!

[@dangyang6672]

Nuance is something we have lost throughout the rise of social media. Your video dives into this really well as you discuss the contradiction of both being a content creator and an advocate for outdoor activities. I see you and appreciate it!

[@Iunio92]

Thanks for putting this to words. I've been cognizant of the decline of my attention span in real time lately - you hit the nail on the head

[@Waddelle1]

Agree 100% - I appreciate your integrity and confidence to speak your mind. PS - I was driving with the fam to the Viriginia creeper trail and stumbled upon the cognitive brew house. I stopped to shop and felt good vibes from the place.

[@shuffle811]

The riding season is over where I'm at for the year, but this video still worked on me. I sat down this morning for my usual weekend hours-worth of gaming with a youtube video on my other monitor, and this was the first video I watched. Instead of trying to fill my need for social interaction with single-player gaming and a youtuber yelling at me, I'm going to go out and find meaningful interactions in a more personal way. Thanks for waking me up, Seth.

[@petererbse6253]

As someone who is studying to become a teacher I have to say well done. I couldn't explain this topic better. If I am going to teach english I am definitely considering showing your video in class. I just love your comparison to the fridge algorythm. Here in Germany the usage of media in general and especially the (a)social media is a big still upcoming topic even in elementary school. This is probably one of the most educational videos about that I have seen so far. Thank you!

[@tim3kgt]

Thanks for 9 years of great content. I miss the Florida, back patio, Miami ride outs, and grassroots stuff; but im still a sub, still supporting on Patreon and this exact video reminds me why. Great content and solid message.f Ride your bike!

[@TimGorry]

Holy Crap man. Media Literacy is seriously important this day and age, and you hit the nail on the head! Great video and even better message.

[@elpretender1357]

Thank you Seth, you don't need to fit in a mold. I'm happy you made a video with a critical outlook on a topic that you're concerned about. As much as I like to see my favorite youtubers smile, seeing them with a stern expression reminds me they're humans with problems and emotions.

[@johnbaretta4375]

You, and this type of content is the solution! Informative and enlightening content is needed from insightful youtubers as yourself.

[@jeremyd826]

This is the video nobody knew they needed. Thank you Seth for always keeping it real!

[@scottshamrell2109]

As a parent with 2 teens who love your channel and will listen to what you have to say, I have to say a huge thank you for using your platform and influence for good.

[@mujarice]

Hey Seth, I wanted to say thanks for inspiring me to work with my daughter and helping her learn to ride a bike. She has always been challenging, but through persistence and helping her have fun while learning (and me staying patient), she has finally taken an interest and learned to ride at 4.5 years old. Just 2 Sundays ago, actually. But it has been so rewarding for both of us and it came at a time when she was really frustrated with many things. Now I can see and feel her pride and it's helping in our day to day lives. She's progressing so quickly and we've been riding daily since (even off road and at a bike park). Thank you for a little extra inspiration!

[@manbunmyname5866]

Strider Bikes are awesome first steps to riding a regular bike. Just saying, if you didn't grow up with them, they're awesome first rides.

[@philipblaine6972]

As a rider who's cycling club is getting deeper and deeper into being a Facebook group, I really appreciate you for stating how awful the social media space is.

[@phoenixGrassl]

Seth 100% agree with you, I think this was one of the most important videos you have made. As a high school student I see kids life’s get sucked down the toilet because of scrolling so thank you for bringing this to people’s awareness! 🙏🙏

[@gamblore5148]

Nailed it Seth. I'm a teacher and just got back from a week long camp - you should see the way kids change their interactions with each other for the better when they don't have phones with them for a few days.

[@MrKibble00]

This video resonated with me so much! Definitely affirmed some of my suspicions of what social media slowly decays in to. This video can apply to all people looking for an answer to their social media apathy, not just cyclists!

[@KaydenDrgnvc999]

Seth I am a youngster and I really find this video inspiring, it is too relatable and I am happy that you posted this 👍

[@xlotux]

I love all your videos. I’ve learned so much, laughed at the fun ones, and got tears of happiness from Berm Park grand opening video. But in my opinion, this video is the best and most important. ❤

[@SirCharcoal]

Spot on! This has prompted me to remove recommendations from everywhere I can find them - my lizard brain can't deal with the temptation. Focused youtube extension with only a search bar is crazy, I feel in control again. Removing search bar suggestions is similar, it's almost muscle memory to type "y" and enter to dive back into the rabbit hole. Now I just need to figure out how to do this with EVERYTHING!

[@clarkpark]

Oh my Seth. This is a video I never thought I’d see come from you! I have felt this way since Covid when all we could really do is swipe swipe swipe. I deleted everything besides KZbin back in 2020 because of every dang reason you said. Couldn’t believe my ears as you spoke my mind and what I tell of my friends. You a real one Seth

[@scotteddy7171]

Seth, you continue to be my hero. Thank you for your honesty and the great stuff that you share.

[@KincadePavich]

This video hit the nail on the head. As someone who went full time with content creation a little over a year ago, I struggle constantly with the social media giant I am contributing to. I feel like I am producing content that educates or inspires people, but I have these thoughts often. This was very well thought out and very well produced. Kudos to you for making this video.

[@madhavan7007]

I feel like this is so much of what I was feeling and thinking (a skill that returns when you get rid of chronic scrolling) about Social Media expressed in words! It takes away control, uses the illusion of sharing interests and education to show you things that you don't care about in the least and tries to polarize you based on the limited interests it figures out enrage you the most.

[@db1232]

Quick on the click

[@tivadar8300]

Huge respect for speaking out on this! You certainly motivate me to go out for rides more often.

[@Rcket_Shredz]

I needed this Seth. Ive been getting sucked in to social media and especially tiktok a lo. Ive been riding my bike less and this just inspired me to go on a ride tomorrow. Thank you for making this video Seth!

[@GearGeekShreds]

I literally can not even see KZbin shorts the same way. Thank you so much for the constant interesting and inspiring content!

[@frits8986]

I think that within not too long there will be a big shift happening where it is ‘cool’ to be not on social media.

[@IthacaDon]

My son almost died from alcoholism in 10:28 2015. I stopped drinking in solidarity. He and I both see parallels with social media and our phones. I don't use Facebook, tiktok, or Instagram anymore because of the fact it feels just like an unwanted addiction. And KZbin is starting to feel the same. Thanks for making this video and discussing a very important and troublesome issue.

[@jayesh5131]

Sorry for your loss. But dont leave Yt The MTB community posts in Yt are relaxing and informational unlike other medias 🍀

[@jimbergey3624]

I have been following you since the very first videos you released. This might just be the best you’ve ever done! I could not agree more, and you did an amazing job of summarizing but still hitting the nuances!

[@TimMillernapavalleyfilmworks]

I’m with Seth! No social media for 20+ years except for YT. So refreshing to hear this.