Recently, I came across a bot that struck a chord with me. Not only because it is humorous, but also because it touches on an interesting phenomenon I've noticed online: Internet Wisdom & Inspirational Posts
I am old enough to remember when motivational posters featuring one large inspirational word, along with that word's definition and a scenic photo against a black background, were all the rage in office decor. <photo>
I remember, too, the trend in decorating with demotivational posters, sarcastic or satire versions of the same style. <photo>
And now, we decorate cyberspace with inspiration of all kinds.
We all come across it. Memes, GIFS or graphics with inspirational quotes and images abound. I have more screenshots of humor or inspiration saved in my phone's photo albums than pictures of actual people and places I love... probably.
When I went through a messy divorce several years ago, I began to see the posts as ironic.
Sometimes, with a chuckle, I would save an image knowing full well my ex would likely relate the post to me in the same way I was relating it to him. Other times, a post was too mean-spirited for me to save, and yet I would still feel the sting as if it were pointed at me…figuring, if he saw the same post, it would be.
Later, there was some drama amongst friends. Onlookers who knew what was going on, understood that the internet wisdom being vague-posted between both parties were just passive-aggressive pot shots; that inspirational bible verse was really a silent slap in the face.
This is how we humans like to be sometimes.
And then, there are those with aspirations of content creation who just regurgitate the same content in new font, creating a sea of platitudes and false positivity.
On a low frequency, this content serves as "signs from the universe" to some and affirmation of bad choices or behavior to others.
While helpful reminders are abundant, so too is a resounding, virtual "Follow Your Heart" to the whole world. Sometimes necessary nuance is left out.
That can be dangerous. Or foolish. Or both.
And so, when I learned about InspiroBot, I loved the satire; not to mention the blind validation this bot offers my own observations.
I promptly wasted a good half hour on it, and - despite knowing in advance the content is randomly generated and mostly drivel - I found it irresistible not to save the inspirational posters like so many cookie fortunes.
Enjoy my little gallery, save any you find applicable, and then, have fun making some of your own
And remember, if you read it on the internet, it simply must be true... for someone... maybe - but not always you.
InspiroBot Album of Wisdom & Inspiration
Go To InspiroBot > > > https://inspirobot.me/
