Bye little birdie

Happy New Year!

24 days ago, we stepped into 2025.

Before then, I stepped away from a chapter of my life that’s been both formative and reflective: social media—and specifically, Twitter. What you now call X.

This newsletter isn’t about toxicity or algorithms.

I intend it to be about the evolution of ideas, time, identity, and how platforms shape (and sometimes constrain) us.

The journey that began with 140 characters

Back in 2012, I signed up for Twitter.

Initially, it was just a social network, but it quickly became the launchpad for my personal brand and a community of ideas.

Twitter introduced me to people and concepts that helped me write books, start Audacity2Lead, and explore what I called “platform-based leadership” back then.

It was on Twitter that I tested ideas, built connections, and realized the power of sharing what I know.

Twitter connected me with people who coached me to start the podcast movement that you see in Nigeria today.

Having been one of the first few professional podcasters in the entire West Africa way back in 2012/13/14.

Did I ever tell you my podcast was actually listed on iTunes as New & Noteworthy in January to March 2015? Okay, now you know (and maybe story for another day, if you’re interested!)

Anyway…

Even before Twitter, the internet had been pivotal for me.

My first steps online go back to 2002 with Yahoo mail. The same year I got my start with designing.

And then Gmail in 2004.

By 2005, as an undergraduate writing on Blogspot, I had started sharing my thoughts online.

Blogging on those platforms shaped my thinking and discipline in ways that textbooks couldn’t.

And then, I decided to adopt a new social where you only post as though you’re sending an SMS.

So you should know that leaving Twitter/X now feels like moving out of a childhood home, a place full of memories and milestones.

And by the way, I’m not shutting down my account, but it’s no longer my primary social space.

I’ve even cancelled my Twitter Blue subscription.

It’s a bittersweet moment, full of gratitude for the journey and excitement for what’s next.

I’ve always been cautious about platforms—recognizing their fragility.

A single password breach, a policy change, or a billionaire takeover could lock us out from years of effort.

But I can’t blame the internet for any of it.

After all, I’m a product of the digital boom era.

It’s given me more than I could have imagined, from lifelong friendships to professional opportunities.

The old Twitter—the one with meaningful hashtags and spontaneous discoveries—is gone.

Today, bots flood trending topics, and algorithms decide what we see.

This shift is part of what’s known as the "Dead Internet Theory," which suggests that bots have overtaken online spaces, drowning out organic, meaningful interactions.

Hashtags, once the lifeblood of conversations, are now artifacts of a different era.

But more than that, I’ve changed.

A lot in the last 20 years. Wait, that’s very long.

I’ve changed a lot in the last 4 years - not physically though. I wish I can grow taller sha heheheheh…

My priorities now revolve around deep, intentional work.

Social media demands quick hits of attention; I’m seeking flow and focus.

The past few months have shown me the power of stepping back.

My wife’s grounding presence helped me realize I need less noise and more clarity.

This also isn’t the end of me sharing ideas online; it’s the start of doing so differently.

The Dayo Samuel Report will continue to be my new home for thoughts, strategies, and stories.

Supported by my YouTube channel (someone help me, I abandoned it too last year due to burnout).

Both will be the spaces where I can engage with you—not as fleeting interactions, but as meaningful conversations.

As I leave Twitter, I’m reminded of the importance of having a burnout plan, something I’ll explore in the next newsletter.

Pacing ourselves, collaborating, and managing energy within commitment areas.

For now, my focus is on building spaces where we can connect deeply, without the pull of algorithms.

Questions and Actions:

• What’s one habit or platform that no longer aligns with your priorities? What would happen if you let it go?

• Reflect on your digital presence: How are you ensuring it supports you rather than drains your energy?

To be honest…

I want to say a big “Thank you” to you reading me right now for being here, for reading, responding and for joining me on this next phase.

Here’s to 2025 being a year of courageous decisions and meaningful progress.

Live courageously,

Dayo Samuel