Addiction Quote by Eric Overby
““Publishing a book, Watching its ways Force me to look At a screen for days "Be still, be still", My heart screams for life But I must check its sales, It's reviews, its likes. Another Instagram poet Who's dying And doesn't know it, Untying an underlying Knot of desire To be liked and admired For people to love what transpires From my mind, but I'm tired Of the social machine Producing my insecurity Hoping someone will follow me And like all my poetry From this point forth, find me nowhere, Socially unseen, Just on the back porch, without a care And without a screen””
About This Quote
Source Poem: Untitled, by Eric Overby, 2023
The poet laments how social media metrics dominate creative work, turning artistic expression into a quest for validation and causing anxiety.
In simple terms: Social media makes art feel like a performance for likes.
Key Takeaway
Seek authentic creation over external approval.
Themes
creativity
validation
anxiety
digital life
Mood
reflective
melancholic
hopeful
Type
poetic
personal
social commentary
When to use this quote
- writing
- social media management
- mental health self
- artist self-doubt
- online presence
Key Concepts
self-worth
performance pressure
authenticity
Questions to Reflect On
- How does the pursuit of likes affect your creative process?
- What steps can you take to reclaim artistic freedom?
A Different Perspective
The need for validation can stifle genuine expression and cause burnout.
