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Is Social Media Undermining and Distorting Actual Wilderness Experiences?

Odyssey said:
While all influencers are content providers, not all content providers are influencers
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I consider myself a “content provider” and never an influencer. I don’t promote anything other than wood, canvas and leather. I rarely if ever talk to the camera, and I try to keep my videos short.
I enjoy setting up shots that really don’t interfere with whatever I’m doing, either in the shop or on the trail. It’s fun and the comments I receive from viewers are very rewarding, some are like old friends. I just use an older GoPro, my photography isn’t great but it’s passable. My YouTube channel isn’t monetized although it has had enough views to be profitable occasionally. I have fine tuned my instagram page to feed me mostly content that shares my style.

I do follow a quite a few different canoe channels on YouTube, some I rarely watch, a few others I eagerly await their next trip. I do find the commercials a bit annoying but I get it, I don’t have to watch. Some content providers talk a lot, some are ok, some are trying to copy the ok guys and just don’t have it. Sometimes I learn something, sometimes I don’t but I’m glad I had the opportunity to watch.
 
I do think social media has had an effect on my wilderness experience, but I'm not sure whether it's a net negative or positive.

The bad includes the fact that I no longer have any secret hot springs. In fact, I've stopped even thinking about them because they've been pretty much ruined. More bad - the new found popularity of some places due to Internet exposure has resulted in added restrictions - not to mention, limited access.

The good....
I was always a hiker/backpacker/angler, but I came into canoeing, among other things, late in life. As I understand it, by the time I got serious about paddling, the paddling publications had already drifted away from canoes to concentrate on kayaks. Having a complete lack of canoe mentorship in my area, what I have learned has been almost entirely due to social media - especially here and the old Pnet, but also some YouTube. I wouldn't have even known about the excellent McMuffin book "Paddle Your Own Canoe" except for reading about it first on Pnet. I would never have heard about canoe poling at all before Pnet. There are some bad YouTube video, but some have been extremely helpful in my skills development.

I can say the same about the canoes themselves. When I first decided to get into canoeing, all I knew about canoes was two brands - Coleman and Grumman. Social media is where I first noticed there was something better - a lot of things better. Having paddled both of those first two brands early on, I never would have been excited about canoes if I hadn't learned the difference. And no one around here was going to get me up to speed.

More bad - all this has cost me money. Neutral - I would have spent it on something else anyway.
 
As for my "content"...... I was into photography as early as age 10. That was effecting my wilderness experience long before the Internet. I've gone through phases of more photos & videos vs less to none. I enjoy myself more when I ignore the camera.

But there are times when I wish I had the camera at hand - like the morning I sat with my coffee and watched the wolf work its way up the river canyon, stopping to howl mournfully every couple hundred feet or so. It's a great memory I'd love to share.
 
I think there’s a lot of good that come from these videos we all watch, especially on YouTube. I think we all have taken something or several things away from them, locations, techniques, equipment, modifications, repairs, or maybe as a “movie” to watch.

To me, the issue is less about those types and more so of the look at me persona. I came into canoeing with experience as another type of paddler, the maneuvers weren’t too unfamiliar for me. That said, I’ve learned a few new paddle strokes from videos. These videos showcase beautiful areas and paddling, they are almost always conscious of the land they’re on and treat it with respect. The videos that show bad info while the couple are hotter than the sun and the rake in the views ($$) lure too many people to beautiful areas. We’re lucky that the remote places are traveled by like minded people compared to the easy accessible spots.

Reminds me of a time my wife and I were on a short hike around some cliffs on superior. It’s a launch spot for kayak tours, but around the corner is exceptional swimming. A jazzy couple showed up in their own kayaks, not acceptable for that lake, and started doing acroyoga in front of a camera. 🙄 it ruined the spot for good
 
I've realized that I either immediately like or dislike a given YouTuber's content... In most cases, when I detect the least bit of careless risk, insincerity, false bravado, glitz, emphasis on gear, or over-exposed flesh (female Tuber tactic), I'm out... I have a list of about a dozen YouTubers who post content every couple days that I watch religiously, and another 30-40 or so who post content of interest, but less regularly. Most of them are bushcraft and camping related, others are weapons history and blacksmithing related. I occasionally visit one YouTuber who shoots handguns mostly, but every once in awhile he's got either a historical long gun or an interesting pistol (most of which are not, to me).

My favorites are Coalcracker, Ryley Kusk, Swedwoods, and Woodsbound Outdoors. I can rewatch Swedwoods' silent adventures over and over... just Scandinavian forests, moss, pike, canvas, and a strong bearded guy who can make a fire anywhere, and does it all without saying a word. Coalcracker and Woodsbound are both northern Appalachians/WV/MD/PA (my woods) and competent, and Ryley is just a good kid doing things he loves on a budget, no frills. They're "doers"... not BSers... no fancy gear, no sponsors, usually, unless they're trying something new out (or in Dan's case with Coalcracker, making something for sale).

Sadly, many are unable to discern what I see, and get a bad idea of what's "real". I can't help that... all I can do is go out myself, and watch my favorites when I can't.
 
Gamma1214 said:
I still watch a few favorite creators, especially if they're tripping someplace I would consider going myself (although it irritates me that most are vague as to where they are, what time of year, etc) and I agree that there are too many armchair experts out there.

The flipside of that, of course, is the idiot who looks at me and tells me "Canada's DANGEROUS!!!". Really?... you been there?... I thought not (but it's probably best that you stay home.)


It takes a LOT of time & energy. I filmed a few trips early on figuring that I'd edit the video & post to YouTube but, in my experience, the constant fiddling around with equipment, paddling back & forth to set up shots & then retrieve cameras really took away from the enjoyment of exploring and talking to a camera really cut into the solitude.

The GoPros became an unusually needy tripping partner so I didn't invite them on the last couple of trips. I really enjoy being back to solo.
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We've worked hard to uphold the "belief" that Canada is a dangerous treacherous region. We have man eating bears, deadly moose and honking geese that make politicians quiver in fear. We would politely ask you to stop spreading misinformation about Canada, that it is such a wonderful friendly place with barely any dangers. We prefer to keep the riff raff out. You can still come but please don't tell others. :)

I've met three types of people in the northern area I'm in.

1st. People who are terrified of the outdoors but want a cool story/adventure to share on their social media. They need someone to hold their hand and need every last expensive item and gear before the go out. Usually ends up being car camping in an area with cell service so the can gloat and vlog their experience.

2nd. People who think the outdoors is no big deal, and they have armchair scientist'd all the survivalist media. They are experts. They are clueless. We had two swiss tourists try and cross a mountain range locally. Most people from outside North America have no clue about the vase empty expanse that northern Canada is, well most of Canada (We hide the combat assaults Moose in the vast emptiness). They figured to do it in a couple days. They brought 5 days of food expecting to go across and back in 4 days. They were lost for 13 or 14 days. A hiker stumbled upon them as they had laid down to die.

3rd. Humble people that say they only outdoors a little bit and are cheery when they meet you. Say "A" a lot when giving directions to the best spots to hike, canoe, camp or adventure. Know all the back country secrets that they would love for you to see on your trip to Canuckistan. They don't care what gear you can afford as long as you are safe and get back okay A?

But I disgress, off to ride my Moose back to my Igloo.
 
IMO there are few topics that Social Media doesn't distort and undermine .... I think that so many people feel compelled to provide answers or have comments on everything, even when they aren't versed on the topic, Couple this with the ineffective chaff filters most people actually have and it is a recipe for people moving from "not knowing" to "knowing the wrong thing".

I am not saying there isn't actual good info there, just that you have to dig for it and sort through a lot crap to find it .... most browsers seem a tad lazy at the sorting part .... and that chaff content is only getting bigger and bigger

Having said that, maybe a thread on your favourite content providers would open a few avenues for other folks here ... I know I am always looking for quality ideas
 
Cruiser said:
Having said that, maybe a thread on your favourite content providers would open a few avenues for other folks here ... I know I am always looking for quality ideas
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Here you go:

Useful Youtube for Canoe Tripping

IMO there are few topics that Social Media doesn't distort and undermine .... I think that so many people feel compelled to provide answers or have comments on everything, even when they aren't versed on the topic, Couple this with the ineffective chaff filters most people actually have and it...
www.canoetripping.net
 
Yeah, but when FB started it was all about what so-and-so had for breakfast this morning, and how cute her puppy dog is, seeking commentary from anyone and everyone who would sign in to read. I think this forum and a very few others like it are an entirely different category of critically informative service, safety and skills advice, and relatable stories that matter and may make a real difference in this life. For the record, I am not a member of any of the FB-like media gang trash in any form or manner. Nrver have been, never will.
 
yknpdlr said:
Yeah, but when FB started it was all about what so-and-so had for breakfast this morning, and how cute her puppy dog is, seeking commentary from anyone and everyone who would sign in to read. I think this forum and a very few others like it are an entirely different category of critically informative service, safety and skills advice, and relatable stories that matter and may make a real difference in this life. For the record, I am not a member of any of the FB-like media gang trash in any form or manner. Nrver have been, never will.
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And don't forget fact checking, identity and useful help .... none of which will be found on most fast food sites
 
SilentWilderness said:
We've worked hard to uphold the "belief" that Canada is a dangerous treacherous region. We have man eating bears, deadly moose and honking geese that make politicians quiver in fear. We would politely ask you to stop spreading misinformation about Canada, that it is such a wonderful friendly place with barely any dangers. We prefer to keep the riff raff out. You can still come but please don't tell others. :)

I've met three types of people in the northern area I'm in.

1st. People who are terrified of the outdoors but want a cool story/adventure to share on their social media. They need someone to hold their hand and need every last expensive item and gear before the go out. Usually ends up being car camping in an area with cell service so the can gloat and vlog their experience.

2nd. People who think the outdoors is no big deal, and they have armchair scientist'd all the survivalist media. They are experts. They are clueless. We had two swiss tourists try and cross a mountain range locally. Most people from outside North America have no clue about the vase empty expanse that northern Canada is, well most of Canada (We hide the combat assaults Moose in the vast emptiness). They figured to do it in a couple days. They brought 5 days of food expecting to go across and back in 4 days. They were lost for 13 or 14 days. A hiker stumbled upon them as they had laid down to die.

3rd. Humble people that say they only outdoors a little bit and are cheery when they meet you. Say "A" a lot when giving directions to the best spots to hike, canoe, camp or adventure. Know all the back country secrets that they would love for you to see on your trip to Canuckistan. They don't care what gear you can afford as long as you are safe and get back okay A?

But I disgress, off to ride my Moose back to my Igloo.
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I imagine NY is a bit different then BC, but I would have to say while all three exist, and the first two are certainly out there, I can't say there is only one other type out there. I have met many different types of folks in the woods. From 100% naked women, guys tripping on something that liked to say "good day" a lot, to the people that do want to actually learn, realize they need help and are curious about the process and willing to learn. In my experience the third type you list is a subset of the second example, just more pleasant. They can name names, but the depth of their outdoor knowledge tends to be a bit slim on actual experience, but lean more towards retelling stories they have accumulated. Sure, they will tell you about the best spots and techniques, but that is because they don't actually go there.
 
recped said:
I sense some negativity about "Social Media", keep in mind that canoetripping.net by definition IS social media!

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true enough, but unlike certain avenues, this site has a reputation for good, solid advice, and the members self-police the bs'ers by patiently and accurately explaining the facts, both academic and "real world".
the community here is more inclined to say "listen to my experiences" than "look at me" and I see very little of those "armchair warriors" posting garbage- I see everything from newbies asking pertinent questions to old warhorses like myself with a lifetime of paddling experience and knowledge, but are no longer able to do the hard, rigorous stuff anymore and settle one the next best thing- helping others do it and living vicariously through their experiences.
That's one reason this site is still around when so many others have disappeared; the willingness of everyone, young and old, to pass advice and ask questions without any fear of being led astray.
 
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