Social Media Archives - Catherine Johns

Communication, Conversation, Social Media

It’s a plague of the 2020s: Attention Infidelity

Attention infidelity? What’s that? A researcher from the American Enterprise Institute has been studying relationships among young people. David Cox has a book coming out about the crisis of human connection, Generation Uncoupled. He’s focused on young men and women and the many challenges they have forming the kinds of partnerships that seemed more natural for their parents and grandparents. Cox coined “attention infidelity” to describe “when a partner’s digital life intrudes on an in-person connection.”

Catherine Johns | Oct 7, 2026

Couple hold wine glasses and use a smartphone at the kitchen table during a romantic dinner with candles, food and online browsing.

Business Communication, Social Media

We’ve Come a Long Way Maybe

We’ve come a long way maybe. The subject line was “Real Blog Backlinks: Guest Posts.” Everyone who blogs gets these emails. They show up in my inbox regularly from people who want access to you, without getting to know you, inviting you to connect with them, and nurturing that relationship. Seems easier to just piggyback on someone else’s work cultivating a relationship with their readers. And some marketers are selling their guest posts, claiming they’ll bring me new readers, expand my reach, and improve my standing with search engines. Sure thing. As I said, it’s common. And … this pitch took the cake. It came to a friend who was, let’s just say, unimpressed with the offer. Why? Check this out:

Catherine Johns | Aug 27, 2025

photo of 1950s style secretary working at office desk and smiling with hand on chin

Business Communication, Mindset, Social Media

Keeping Cool with the Comments

Keeping cool with the comments. The more outspoken we are, the more likely it is that somebody will feel the need to let us know how wrong we are, don’t you think? Whether we’re speaking up about a troubling issue at work, being candid with a client, or sharing our opinion along with a picture on Instagram, we’ve opened the door for someone to weigh in with a different point of view. Those exchanges can be perfectly pleasant, leading to a comfortable, straightforward exchange of ideas and resulting in a learning experience for everyone involved. Or they can veer off in another direction. Which is especially likely on social networks where naysayers have some distance and maybe anonymity too. That happens to me once in a while. A sharp reply to my post on LinkedIn or Facebook, a critical comment on my blog, or a snippy direct message. And I have to admit, it stings!Taylor Swift has some advice for us.

Catherine Johns | Aug 20, 2025