Why I Don’t Create for Instagram (But Still Use It)

Every time I open Instagram, I notice something happening to my mind.

A kind of fog. A shift from intention to instinct.

I came to share somethingβ€”but ended up doomscrolling.

Sound familiar?

Instagram is built for quick hits:

Short videos, short attention spans, short dopamine loops.

It’s a place where β€œmore” always means β€œless.”

More content. Less depth.

More impressions. Less impact.

More engagement. Less meaning.

I say this not as a critic from the outside,

but as a participant.

I’ve caught myself, phone in hand, scrolling without knowing why.

And I’m not alone.


Who Is Instagram Really For?

Instagram is designed for consumers who want entertainment, escapism, or trends.

Not reflection. Not insight. Not inner stillness.

If you create with depthβ€”writing, longform stories, quiet inspirationβ€”Instagram is not your home.

You’ll be swimming upstream.

Because the algorithm doesn’t reward thoughtfulness.

It rewards retention.

That’s why creators, like me, often feel like we’re shouting into a void.

Pouring hours into posts, only for them to be skimmedβ€”or skippedβ€”in under 5 seconds.

It’s disheartening. And it’s by design.


But I Still Use Instagramβ€”Here’s Why

I don’t try to win on Instagram.

I don’t create for Instagram.

I simply use it as a filter.

If someone finds me there,

if they pause long enough to read,

if they choose to visit my blog via the link in my bioβ€”

then they’re the kind of person I want to write for.

Not everyone. Just the right ones.

Instagram becomes the surface.

My blog is the depth.

If you’ve made it here from Instagramβ€”welcome.

You’ve stepped off the scroll, and into a space of stillness.

Let’s breathe a little deeper here.


Today’s Reflection:

Are you creating for attention or for connection?

Are you consuming what nourishesβ€”or just what numbs?

Only you can tell the difference.

But once you see it, you can’t unsee it.


2 responses to “Why I Don’t Create for Instagram (But Still Use It)”

  1. Rolf Wietlisbach Avatar
    Rolf Wietlisbach

    I’m totally with you on this!
    I sometimes get frustrated with myself when I just wanted a quick update, but then realise I’ve spent an hour on Instagram without the intention to do so…
    And you’re probably right: Instagram is designed for quick hits.
    The trouble for me is that I’m not very good at marketing my Blog Site. After about 18 months, my readership is extremely limited. I don’t really have the know-how on how to reach a wider audience, and I want to spend my precious time on creative writing, not on marketing (or fixing technical issues…). So, I see Instagram as a necessary tool to (hopefully!) attract more readers to my site. Is it working? Based on results, I would have to say no. But I’ll keep trying…

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Karl Avatar
      Karl

      Thanks for your comment, Rolf. What you said about not being good at marketing got me thinking. The good news isβ€”you don’t have to be. Just bounce a few ideas off ChatGPT, and I’m sure you’ll come away with something that feels doable and fits your style.

      Like

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