Just what would the Romantic poets have made of social Media?
They’d have bloody loved it and used it mercilessly for all their creative outpourings.
Lord Byron would be on all social platforms, regularly go viral, and have a huge following- all under 25. He was proper posh, so he’s immensely well connected on LinkedIn; writing thought leader pieces on why the British Museum should give back the Elgin Marbles and why travel is good for the artist’s soul.
Byron also has rizz; his TikToks are short-form videos of his unbuttoned, floppy shirts and too-tight trousers. His latest squeeze is allowed to feature occasionally. Byron loves social media and is a media darling.
Shelley’s natural home is Twitter—or was. He lasted about three weeks before starting a leftist, eco-political campaign via Kickstarter.
His Twitter page was removed for tweeting “Damn your eyes, Sir!” at Elon Musk in all capital letters. Coincidentally, his ideal demographic for collaboration is also “posh and under 25”
Keats’s Instagram page features beautiful, moody, and artful photos of Greek urns and nightingales. He has a side hustle in scented candles for date night.
Poor, misunderstood Blake would have a small Facebook page. Meta’s disinformation rules keep flagging his page because he keeps posting about things he can see in trees which aren’t actually there. His Fb community adore him but wish he’d read the room before hitting post.
William Wordsworth is LinkedIn’s top influencer, probably because he’s the longest living Romantic poet. He uses social media to write about climate change and key pieces of London architecture. He gives excellent advice on planting spring bulbs and shares quotes about watery parts of nature, his volumes of verse are bestsellers.
I’d like to think that Oscar Wilde would be able to find his tribe on Social Media, he’d be fully appreciated and have a magnificent Pinterest full of elegant suits.
Would Lord Byron have a Social Media page full of selfies? For sure. Would he connect with you on LinkedIn? He might if you post about your art or music or play or campaign.
If you are a creative with poetry hidden in a notebook or have a brilliant idea that you don’t tell anyone about, book a free call. I can help you with that.
P.S. I know I’ve taken liberties with history & accuracy.
