Deleting my Discord Server
Soon after I began streaming on Twitch, I created a Discord server because other streamers I followed had their own servers and it seemed like a good way to share info about the stream and stay connected with viewers. After much consideration, I've decided to delete it. Here's why.
Low Participation
Participation on the Discord server has always been pretty close to non-existent. Of course there have been some wonderful moments and interactions, but most days it's quiet. This can be for any number of reasons, but I think it's pretty obvious: there are a zillion Discord servers out there, many with overlap in focus and membership. If you follow a bunch of vinyl/music streamers like me, each with their own server, it's overwhelming and time consuming to try to stay engaged in all of them. And it's all pretty much the same stuff. To quote the popular meme: ain't nobody got time for that.
I think most people are just interested in announcements and updates about the stream, and maybe the stream playlist channel so they can learn more about music that was played on the broadcast (although I do wonder if anyone actually looks at the stream playlist channel). I don't need a Discord server to disseminate any of that info.
We did try several Discord-only video streams. And, while those were fun and we did have a handful of viewers participating in those, it just didn't feel right to me because it was...
Exclusive
In order to view content on a Discord server you have to have a Discord account and be invited to access it. If you don't have a Discord account, you're excluded. You have zero access to any of the content being shared and discussed. I have never felt right about that. I don't want this information to be bottled up in some corporation's proprietary data silo. I want anyone who is genuinely interested to be able to see updates and interact with me and other viewers, regardless of whether or not they use Discord. And there are many Twitch viewers who will never use Discord for very valid reasons. Not the least of which is...
Privacy and Security Concerns
While you can tweak the settings to better protect your privacy from other users, Discord employees have the ability to access everything you post on their platform.
There have also been documented instances of:
- Data breaches with Discord itself or with third parties that have access to Discord data
- Spreading malware through malicious links, bots, bad actors, etc.
- Scammers and bad actors hijacking servers, committing identity theft, fraud, stealing money and info, etc.
Related to that last point, I know one Twitch streamer who had their Discord server taken over by bad actors. They removed this streamer's admin access and ownership of the server and started posting misinformation and unsavory content as if they were acting on behalf of the streamer. The streamer had no recourse – they had to start over and create a brand new server after spending years building their audience on their original server. This was more a case of that streamer trusting the wrong people or not understanding how permissions work, but it was still a terrible thing that probably happens more often than we realize.
I know another Twitch streamer who had interactions with a couple other Discord users that eventually required the involvement of law enforcement after they realized these users were scammers with nefarious intentions. The ordeal took a great mental and emotional toll on that streamer.
There are, of course, risks when you use any internet-connected device or service. But getting rid of my Discord server will be one less risk to worry about.
Distracting
It will also be one less distraction for everyone. How many notifications do we really need blasted in our faces on a daily basis? I venture to say most of them are completely unnecessary. Nobody needs me to post a going-live message in Discord, Twitch already does that. And I don't really need to mention everyone about announcements or schedule updates or any of that, either. No more Discord notifications from me! Good riddance!
Connections vs Conversations
In his book Digital Minimalism, Cal Newport makes a compelling case that “humans are wired to be social,” and that social media is no substitute for real-world relationships. (see Digital Minimalism Chapter 5: Don't Click 'Like')
Newport characterizes online interactions (social media, instant message, chat, etc.) as connections and real-world interactions (in-person, video call, phone call) as conversations.
Ongoing research is producing mounting evidence that replacing real-world relationships with social media is actually detrimental to our wellbeing. The more time we focus on connections instead of conversations, the worse we feel. (see p. 141)
Neil Postman made a similar point in his book Building a Bridge to the 18th Century, which was first published in 1999 – long before “social media,” as we currently know it, existed.
Think ... of how the words “community” and “conversation” are now employed by those who use the Internet. I have the impression that “community” is now used to mean, simply, people with similar interests, a considerable change from an older meaning: A community is made up of people who may not have similar interests, but who must negotiate and resolve their differences for the sake of social harmony. Tocqueville used the phrase “an ethic of reciprocity” to delineate what is at the heart of community life. What has that to do with “a community” of Internet users? As for “conversation,” two (or more) people typing messages to each other are engaged in an activity quite different from what is usually called a conversation. To call messages that lack the presence of the human voice and human faces a “conversation” seems odd to me. (p. 53)
Deleting my Discord is an effort to help myself prioritize conversations over connections, my real-world community over online communities. In an indirect way, I hope this helps others to do the same.
Conclusion
I've been using Discord primarily to post updates and share supplemental info outside of my broadcasts. But there are better ways to do this. I'd rather use social media, this blog, even email because they're more accessible to everyone, less risky, less overwhelming, and less distracting.
And, when you really think about it, the best way to interact with Twitch streamers and other viewers is on Twitch itself during the streams.
Going forward, for announcements, updates, and info I invite you to:
- Check the stream schedule on Twitch
- Follow the Mastodon account
- If you don't have a Mastodon account you can subscribe to it via RSS
- Subscribe to this blog via email: scroll to the bottom of the home page and where it says “Enter your email address to subscribe to updates.” type your email address into the text box and click the “Subscribe” button
- Subscribe to this blog via RSS
While I know this will be a difficult change for some, it is my hope that this will ultimately simplify things, support privacy and security, reduce distractions, de-prioritize online connections in favor of real-life conversations, and make things more respectful and inclusive for all.
A special thanks to all who have joined me on Discord these past 18 months. I appreciate your support!