Friends Between Worlds

Once you see it you can't unsee it: Neoliberal social media with Dr. L. Ayu Saraswati

In this conversation with Dr. L. Ayu Saraswati, professor at the University of Hawaii and award-winning author, we discuss neoliberalism, the impact of social media on emotional well-being, and the importance of emotional contracts in creating supportive structures. We explore the concepts of docile and defiant perception, and a vigilant eco-love that emphasizes community engagement and collective well-being. The discussion culminates in the idea of feminist enchantment, which encourages individuals to reconnect with their emotions and the world around them, fostering moments of delight and care. Takeaways -Neoliberalism emphasizes individualism, leading to disconnection. -Emotional contracts can provide a framework for mutual support. -Social media can alienate us from our true emotions. -Vigilant eco love encourages community engagement and transformation. -Feminist enchantment allows for moments of joy amidst struggle. -Understanding docile vs. defiant perception helps us challenge harmful ideologies. -The self is part of a larger ecological context. -Activism can take many forms, including local community engagement. Chapters 00:00 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMpFUri8waw&list=PLWuTe1RLY2OvUYa9nj-X_d-6ZypeGQihZ&index=1] Intro 07:44 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMpFUri8waw&list=PLWuTe1RLY2OvUYa9nj-X_d-6ZypeGQihZ&index=1&t=464s] Neoliberalism, social media, and the selfie self 20:11 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMpFUri8waw&list=PLWuTe1RLY2OvUYa9nj-X_d-6ZypeGQihZ&index=1&t=1211s] Self-love vs. emotional contracts 26:31 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMpFUri8waw&list=PLWuTe1RLY2OvUYa9nj-X_d-6ZypeGQihZ&index=1&t=1591s] Docile vs. Defiant perception 36:19 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMpFUri8waw&list=PLWuTe1RLY2OvUYa9nj-X_d-6ZypeGQihZ&index=1&t=2179s] Vigilant Eco-love 42:15 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMpFUri8waw&list=PLWuTe1RLY2OvUYa9nj-X_d-6ZypeGQihZ&index=1&t=2535s] Feminist enchantment and community engagement Dr. Saraswati’s website: https://drsaraswati.com/ [https://drsaraswati.com/] Keywords: neoliberalism, social media, emotional contracts, self-love, institutional support, docile perception, defiant perception, vigilant eco-love, feminist enchantment This conversation was recorded on August 6, 2025 *These show notes were generated with help from an AI This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit friendsbetweenworlds.substack.com [https://friendsbetweenworlds.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Trailer - Friends Between Worlds

This is the trailer for "Friends Between Worlds", a podcast for people who want to understand why the modern world feels so on edge and what we can do about it. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit friendsbetweenworlds.substack.com [https://friendsbetweenworlds.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]