And therein lies the quiet, pensive truth. That childhood ritual of marking your presence with a signature, while imperfect and sometimes rebellious, was a form of human connection. It was a tactile, shared experience—one that fostered a sense of belonging. You could see it, touch it, and know that it was real. When you wrote “Kristi was here” on a bathroom stall, you hoped someone might see it someday, smile, or even respond. When you carved your initials into a tree, it meant you had left a part of yourself behind, forever, in a place you loved.

Today’s digital signatures lack that physical intimacy. They are often disconnected from the tangible interactions that make us human. The post, comment, or emoji is quick, transient, and often stripped of the messy, beautiful imperfections of real life. It’s hard to feel the weight of a moment when your marker is a tap on a screen. The sense of permanence is blurred by the endless scroll, the temporary nature of a trending meme, or the viral wave of an impulsive comment.

Anyone can become an “influencer”. Social media platforms have provided a space for individuals to showcase their talents, hobbies and personal experiences. What happens is the sheer overwhelm of fly by night influencers with a few months of “expertise” and just enough charisma, relatability and aesthetically pleasing content to gain popularity inundates our screens and creates confusion. The reality is authenticity does not always translate to credibility. It is essential for consumers of social media to exercise critical thinking when evaluating information shared by influencers. One of the best things we can do as a consumer is to recognize the vast difference between influencers and experts. In other words, be damn careful of the snake oil swillers of today’s generation. They are the same as they were 100’s of years ago…just dressed in prettier clothes and they no longer have to knock on your door to get in to your home.

In todays world it seems like everyone knows everything about everybody.  And that just feels like a lot of…stuff…for our brains to take in.  What your neighbor had for dinner with their spouse during …#datenight.  How much your friends, friend of a friend is enjoying their vacation…#blessed. How angry the neighbor down the street is with her husband because he won’t help around the house…#whocares The first time your cousins toddler went potty on the potty….#finally. How much your favorite influencers daughter loves to dress up as Elsa and provides 50 pictures of her as proof….#letiggo