We have more impact than we know
The article reflects on how people often underestimate the positive impact they have on others, arguing that small actions and words can ripple in ways we never see. It encourages recognizing that our influence is greater than we realize, urging readers to act with kindness and intention.
Background
- The author, Alex, writes for Autogram, a newsletter by Max Read (formerly of Gawker) focused on internet culture, media, and tech.
- This piece reflects a growing sentiment among tech workers and creators: a sense of unease about the unintended consequences of their work, even when it seems small or routine.
- The title echoes a common psychological insight — that people tend to underestimate their influence on others and on systems — here applied to professional work in technology and media.
- The piece is likely aimed at an audience familiar with "effective altruism," "tech ethics," and recent debates about social media's real-world harms (e.g., Facebook and the Rohingya genocide, algorithmic radicalization). It questions the adequacy of focusing only on direct, measurable harm.