Albert Xamena: "Half of what is on the networks is absolute garbage"

PalmaAlbert Xamena is a biochemist, neuroscience student, and content creator. On Instagram, he already exceeds 11,000 followers thanks to Entre Fones i Neurones, a Catalan-language outreach project where he combines science, history, art, and thought from the Balearic Islands. He has achieved this popularity without insulting people in 50-second videos with split screens and hundreds of stimuli, but with an educational and calm space. In this interview, he reflects on algorithms, mental health, scientific dissemination, and the role of social networks in today's society.

How did your adventure as a content creator begin?

— It all started in 2024. Initially, I wanted to organize trips to India and created a Spanish channel related to science and spirituality. But I missed that contact with my land and my language. I realized that, if I had to express myself well and authentically, it had to be in Catalan. I kept both channels, but I've been neglecting the Spanish one.

When did you notice that there was a community behind the project?

— We are still building it. In Catalan, everything goes slower, especially when we talk about scientific dissemination. But I've also seen that history helps a lot. If it were just a science channel, it probably wouldn't have grown so much. In fact, the science content that works best is the one that tells a story. People don't always want you to make them think a lot; they also want to be entertained, to laugh, or to get angry.

Are you trying to avoid content that generates confrontation?

— Yes, I try to make my content not angering. On social media there is already a lot of content based on constant complaining.

What do you think your generation is looking for on social media that they can't find in traditional media?

— On social networks, there is much more content and, above all, it is much more personalized. On television, for example, I find very few things that motivate me. On TV3 or IB3 on demand, yes, I find more interesting things. There is also a generational gap: many contents are designed for people who do not quite understand how the world of millennials and Generation Z works. In addition, social networks create community. You can comment, share impressions, and interact. This generates a much more human experience.

How is rigor combined with short formats like TikTok and Instagram?

— In science I do well because it's my field. In history, on the other hand, I'm still learning and I'm talking to a historian to reinforce the rigor of the content. Obviously, the conquest of Mallorca cannot be explained in a minute, but a specific episode can be told with context and rigor. It's a challenge, but it has a solution.

Has any video surprised you particularly for its virality or impact?

— It is absolutely unpredictable. There are videos that I think nobody will watch and they end up exploding. Nobody really understands Meta's algorithm. That's why I also want to take the project to the streets and not depend only on networks that are directed by an American algorithm that even its creators don't know how it works. We live within a very radical attention capitalism. Platforms don't care if the content is good or bad; the only thing that matters is capturing the user's attention, regardless of the content. It's as if I sold medicine and said it cures cancer, even if it were a lie, but the company only cared that it was making money. On networks we are here, doing it well or not is subject to each person's morals.

Many adults see social networks as a superficial space full of misinformation. Do you agree?

— Yes, they are right. Possibly, half of the videos out there are absolute garbage. A lot of content is made just to gain views, feed egos, or sell courses. I myself hate many things about social media. However, there are also people who try to make a part of this space nicer. Networks are a very powerful tool, but also a double-edged sword. I think European institutions should protect this environment more because it is very toxic and affects mental health.

Do algorithms prioritize spectacle over quality?

— Totally. You can't escape the algorithm. There are tricks and ways of working that end up conditioning the content. The problem is that this forces you to play with rigor, and in the end, you depend on your own ethics.

Is it possible to live today from scientific dissemination from the Balearic Islands?

— It's very complicated. Before, platforms rewarded creators more, but now there are thousands of contents and the income is minimal. Between self-employed fees, taxes, and expenses, it's not worth it. Most of us do it because we like it, not because it makes money.

What is the relationship between creators and mental health? Is there pressure to constantly publish or to maintain figures?

— There is a lot of pressure to maintain numbers and publish constantly. When you start, moreover, you are all alone and doubt everything: whether to upload a video, whether it will work or not… There is a lot of overthinking. That is why it is important to learn to self-manage, seek mental peace, and even psychological help.

How are haters managed?

— Many people are not aware that behind a video there are hours of work, enthusiasm, and expectations. They write something outrageous and then forget about it two minutes later. Different strategies can be adopted: blocking, responding with a hesitant tone, or an intellectual one. Many times they respond well.

You recently received the CRIT award for scientific dissemination. What did it mean to you?

— It was fun, but within the scientific community, not much has changed either. These days I've been managing starting to be part of some scientific association, but one of them rejected me because I made videos in Spanish and the other, because I also create content related to spirituality, even though I do it from a scientific approach and, even, the WHO includes spirituality as part of the integral health treatment.

Now I will ask you two real questions that have been asked in beauty pageants, related to science and history: if you could transform into an animal, which would you choose?

— A blue whale. I like this idea of an immense and powerful animal that doesn't need to prove anything. It travels, lives peacefully, and doesn't seek conflict.

And with which historical figure do you identify?

— I don't know much. Perhaps with someone important who hasn't gone down in history. I identify more with the idea of doing important things for the Balearic Islands, but I think that in a hundred years no one will know I existed.