Hi Julia, This is a very welcome piece to read and I agree with all you say. I have become increasingly frustrated and disillushioned with Instagram, and after years of working so hard on it, I really can't be faffed any longer to spend time making reels and all the other hoops necessary that seem to be needed to be seen now.
You are right, any mention of something for sale, or telling people about my Substack posts, disappear into a black hole. I tested out promoting them, but I gained a handful of followers, who then disappear.
But more importantly, it is the impact it has had at times on my mental health that has altered my perspective. The scrolling, the awful way in which I compare myself unfavorably and my decreasing attention span has created a shift.
There are some lovely people on there, and am so grateful for so many connections, including you - how would I have known about Donna Leon otherwise!
I love it here, and gain so much more from it, and I am very glad you are here!
Thank you for your reply, interestingly like you, I have also noticed myself feeling “less than” and judging my own accomplishments against those of others. I’ve often felt like I’ve not done enough or that I’m not good enough, neither of which are favourable feelings to experience.
I’m glad I got to meet artists such as you as well, when things were a little slower and quieter on there. You won’t believe this but I’ve just started to re-read my Brunetti novels and only recently thought of you and our shared enjoyment of these detective stories. Thank you as always Deborah, for your kind words, which mean a lot to me xxx
I am so sorry I missed you reply. I love Brunetti, and thankfully still have lots to go!
With regards to Instagram, in spite of all the good, it does have a pernicious effect and only yesterday someone contacted me, in real distress, at how negative it was making them feel about their work. That is so sad, isn't t it, and suspect very common.
Ah don’t worry! 😊 I have quite a lot of her Brunetti books I haven’t read too, the stories are so good aren’t they?!
That’s really sad to hear, that someone would feel like that about their work, but sadly it’s a common side effect isn’t it? One thing I don’t like is the way it draws you to compare yourself, even when you know the photos are edited and curated to show the best bits…the longer I’ve spent off the app, the better I feel. I’m very grateful we have Substack, and to have your company here too xx
I completely understand how you feel. I gave up posting on instagram when reels became priority and am flabbergasted and horrified that META thinks that AI scrapping is morally okay. Should we be deleting our accounts entirely? Do we believe them when they say we can opt out?
I used to have a blog that I wrote for years and years, way longer than I managed to keep up with the pace on instagram. It suited me so much better.
There is something about substack that feels bitty and hard to navigate (speaking as a reader, not a writer) and I dislike the bombardment of notes and snippets that feel like too much noise (I do love your posts though!) Maybe I'll go back to having a blog where people can opt in to email updates and it feels nice and calm. Where to start a simple blog though, with a portfolio attached? Also, what protection would you have there against scrapping? So many questions! 🧡🌟
Thank you for your reply Lesley, I actually don’t fully understand the workings of Substack either, and tend to use it more as a blog than anything else.
I liked the slower pace of blogging too, and have wondered if restarting the one on my website would be worthwhile…trouble is we have so many options nowadays it becomes overwhelming!
The AI scraping is wrong on so many levels, it feels like some kind of monster gaining a momentum all of its own…I don’t like what it generates and it’s not for me, I know that much xxx
In the past few months not a day goes by that one of my favourite internet people doesn’t write a post like this. I agree totally, I’m quite depressed by it all and I’m not inclined to join yet another social media platform whatever Cara is promising. It was interesting when you asked what we did before the socials, for that I’m referring to Facebook and Instagram. It had me thinking. I had a MySpace back in the day which I didn’t enjoy but what I did enjoy and the place where I came across my favourite artists and internet friends was blogging. I think Substack is the closest to what we had with our blogs. I haven’t spent as much time posting on Substack and that’s probably because I’m still under the influence of the speed at which we can post to IG or FB. Personally I hate FB now but I still sort of enjoy IG so I’m still pondering it all. Thanks Julia for an interesting post. x
Thanks for your reply Jess, I liked how you mentioned blogging - for me also, this was a place I made some great online friends and it all felt much more meaningful somehow. I think Substack is something of a hybrid of blogging and socials combined so it will be interesting to see how it evolves. I haven’t joined Cara yet either, I’m watching from the sidelines to see what happens xx
You reiterate everything I've ever thought about Instagram and yes, I've often thought about deleting it. I'm bored with all the videos and reels and really cannot be bothered to make them either. So what is the answer? I prefer seeing stills of people's art tbh. Maybe that's what's needed; an artist platform purely for artists to showcase their work in photographs. I'm not techy so wouldn't know where to start creating a platform.
Thank you Annick, I think a lot of us miss that element, and I think I’ve found a suitable replacement in Substack - looking through the notes is very similar to how the old Instagram format used to feel, it’s quieter and slower, and I like that. I’m sure there will come a day when Instagram will become obsolete, the more people I speak to, the more I hear about how disillusioned they are with the platform.
I agree with you, Instagram has a way of sucking out the joy of making art. It's very disheartening to have spent so much time building an audience to then not be able to connect with them. Making art is and act of courage and it takes time. Like you, I also tried for a bit to 'create content' but it felt superficial and it's so time-consuming.
I don't mind making a reel here and there, but having to churn them out everyday for a bit of engagement is ridiculous. I know many artists say the have found that sense of community here on Substack but I haven't been able to connect with many people here either.... I do enjoy writing more long posts like I did many years ago with my blog.
Anyway, I enjoy your post. Thank you for sharing ❤️
Hi Gina, thank you so much for taking the time to read and leave a comment. Goodness me yes, it’s so draining and demoralising when you spend so much time trying to beat the algorithms (impossible), and to simply connect with your people. After my break I decided I couldn’t bring myself to delete it just yet, and that I’d post randomly now and then, but when I do go on the app, I find myself getting sucked into scrolling and noticing how I’m comparing myself to what other people are doing. I’m really quite shocked at how addictive the app is, and don’t like how easily I get drawn in or the negative feelings it creates. I’m not sure what the answer is just yet as I still don’t feel able to hit delete. I know I miss connecting with people, and feeling that any effort I make on there is futile.
You are definitely not alone in this experience. I wrote very similar thoughts on my substack earlier this year, haha. Ended up pretty much leaving Instagram and facebook completely and I haven’t missed it one bit. Just the thought of having to rejoin gives me an icky feeling 😬
I have really been enjoying using substack and the longer form posts. I really enjoy creating these posts, where doing instagram posts felt like such a chore.
Thanks for the peek into your thoughts on the subject!
Thanks so much for reading, and for sharing your thoughts. Just recently I decided to use Instagram occasionally to post again, and I’ve noticed that I’m getting sucked back in with the doom scrolling. I don’t know if I can delete it completely just yet, something is keeping me from doing so (a fear?), and yet when I do post, I can’t seem to just go on, post and leave. The addictive nature of it is awful. I will search out your post as I’m interested to read it.
Cara is growing on me. My favourite feature is that I can go to the search function and click 'latest' and see AAAAlll of the latest art. Beginners, dabblers, amateurs. Not just the big names with breath-taking work. Instagram took that away when they killed their search function and tag search functions. But I want to meet other artists who are like me, someone I can become online (and maybe offline) friends with.
That sounds really positive, I’m glad you’re getting so much out of it. I still haven’t ventured over to Cara, due to being busy with other things at the moment, but I may take a look when the opportunity arises xx
Like you I have found much that is - or was - good about Instagram. I have made real life, real friendships through it. But I've become aware lately that it's shortening my attention span for reading books, and that horrifies me. I'm also fed up not seeing the accounts I want to see, and by the jangly reels. Pondering starting a Substack, as I used to blog. There are some fantastic gardening Substacks, including Jo Thompson's The Gardening Mind, which are creating a real community. Wishing you a good summer and fulfilment of lots of things on your wish list. They all sound good to me!
Yes, sadly this is the problem isn’t it? We don’t see who we follow and our feeds are obliterated by things we’re not interested in.
Thank you for sharing Jo’s Substack, I’ll look her up. I’ve found so many interesting accounts on here, and I’m learning about so many things. I hope you enjoy your summer too xxx
I really hear everything that's said here. The attention span stuff is a worry but as anyone who comes off, or has a detox or whatever can testify, it does come back. But as long as we are still engaging with media that deliver everything is little snack bites, we do find it harder to go deeper or and keep our attention on things for longer. I often wonder what would happen if I just sopped posting on instagram...
Hi Julia, This is a very welcome piece to read and I agree with all you say. I have become increasingly frustrated and disillushioned with Instagram, and after years of working so hard on it, I really can't be faffed any longer to spend time making reels and all the other hoops necessary that seem to be needed to be seen now.
You are right, any mention of something for sale, or telling people about my Substack posts, disappear into a black hole. I tested out promoting them, but I gained a handful of followers, who then disappear.
But more importantly, it is the impact it has had at times on my mental health that has altered my perspective. The scrolling, the awful way in which I compare myself unfavorably and my decreasing attention span has created a shift.
There are some lovely people on there, and am so grateful for so many connections, including you - how would I have known about Donna Leon otherwise!
I love it here, and gain so much more from it, and I am very glad you are here!
Thank you for your reply, interestingly like you, I have also noticed myself feeling “less than” and judging my own accomplishments against those of others. I’ve often felt like I’ve not done enough or that I’m not good enough, neither of which are favourable feelings to experience.
I’m glad I got to meet artists such as you as well, when things were a little slower and quieter on there. You won’t believe this but I’ve just started to re-read my Brunetti novels and only recently thought of you and our shared enjoyment of these detective stories. Thank you as always Deborah, for your kind words, which mean a lot to me xxx
I am so sorry I missed you reply. I love Brunetti, and thankfully still have lots to go!
With regards to Instagram, in spite of all the good, it does have a pernicious effect and only yesterday someone contacted me, in real distress, at how negative it was making them feel about their work. That is so sad, isn't t it, and suspect very common.
I am very glad you are here! Xx
Ah don’t worry! 😊 I have quite a lot of her Brunetti books I haven’t read too, the stories are so good aren’t they?!
That’s really sad to hear, that someone would feel like that about their work, but sadly it’s a common side effect isn’t it? One thing I don’t like is the way it draws you to compare yourself, even when you know the photos are edited and curated to show the best bits…the longer I’ve spent off the app, the better I feel. I’m very grateful we have Substack, and to have your company here too xx
I didn't realise until very recently the impact it was having and am so glad you feel better for it. And more time to read books! Xx
Which is always a good thing!
It is!😄
I completely understand how you feel. I gave up posting on instagram when reels became priority and am flabbergasted and horrified that META thinks that AI scrapping is morally okay. Should we be deleting our accounts entirely? Do we believe them when they say we can opt out?
I used to have a blog that I wrote for years and years, way longer than I managed to keep up with the pace on instagram. It suited me so much better.
There is something about substack that feels bitty and hard to navigate (speaking as a reader, not a writer) and I dislike the bombardment of notes and snippets that feel like too much noise (I do love your posts though!) Maybe I'll go back to having a blog where people can opt in to email updates and it feels nice and calm. Where to start a simple blog though, with a portfolio attached? Also, what protection would you have there against scrapping? So many questions! 🧡🌟
Thank you for your reply Lesley, I actually don’t fully understand the workings of Substack either, and tend to use it more as a blog than anything else.
I liked the slower pace of blogging too, and have wondered if restarting the one on my website would be worthwhile…trouble is we have so many options nowadays it becomes overwhelming!
The AI scraping is wrong on so many levels, it feels like some kind of monster gaining a momentum all of its own…I don’t like what it generates and it’s not for me, I know that much xxx
In the past few months not a day goes by that one of my favourite internet people doesn’t write a post like this. I agree totally, I’m quite depressed by it all and I’m not inclined to join yet another social media platform whatever Cara is promising. It was interesting when you asked what we did before the socials, for that I’m referring to Facebook and Instagram. It had me thinking. I had a MySpace back in the day which I didn’t enjoy but what I did enjoy and the place where I came across my favourite artists and internet friends was blogging. I think Substack is the closest to what we had with our blogs. I haven’t spent as much time posting on Substack and that’s probably because I’m still under the influence of the speed at which we can post to IG or FB. Personally I hate FB now but I still sort of enjoy IG so I’m still pondering it all. Thanks Julia for an interesting post. x
Thanks for your reply Jess, I liked how you mentioned blogging - for me also, this was a place I made some great online friends and it all felt much more meaningful somehow. I think Substack is something of a hybrid of blogging and socials combined so it will be interesting to see how it evolves. I haven’t joined Cara yet either, I’m watching from the sidelines to see what happens xx
Hi Julia,
You reiterate everything I've ever thought about Instagram and yes, I've often thought about deleting it. I'm bored with all the videos and reels and really cannot be bothered to make them either. So what is the answer? I prefer seeing stills of people's art tbh. Maybe that's what's needed; an artist platform purely for artists to showcase their work in photographs. I'm not techy so wouldn't know where to start creating a platform.
Thank you Annick, I think a lot of us miss that element, and I think I’ve found a suitable replacement in Substack - looking through the notes is very similar to how the old Instagram format used to feel, it’s quieter and slower, and I like that. I’m sure there will come a day when Instagram will become obsolete, the more people I speak to, the more I hear about how disillusioned they are with the platform.
I agree with you, Instagram has a way of sucking out the joy of making art. It's very disheartening to have spent so much time building an audience to then not be able to connect with them. Making art is and act of courage and it takes time. Like you, I also tried for a bit to 'create content' but it felt superficial and it's so time-consuming.
I don't mind making a reel here and there, but having to churn them out everyday for a bit of engagement is ridiculous. I know many artists say the have found that sense of community here on Substack but I haven't been able to connect with many people here either.... I do enjoy writing more long posts like I did many years ago with my blog.
Anyway, I enjoy your post. Thank you for sharing ❤️
Hi Gina, thank you so much for taking the time to read and leave a comment. Goodness me yes, it’s so draining and demoralising when you spend so much time trying to beat the algorithms (impossible), and to simply connect with your people. After my break I decided I couldn’t bring myself to delete it just yet, and that I’d post randomly now and then, but when I do go on the app, I find myself getting sucked into scrolling and noticing how I’m comparing myself to what other people are doing. I’m really quite shocked at how addictive the app is, and don’t like how easily I get drawn in or the negative feelings it creates. I’m not sure what the answer is just yet as I still don’t feel able to hit delete. I know I miss connecting with people, and feeling that any effort I make on there is futile.
You are definitely not alone in this experience. I wrote very similar thoughts on my substack earlier this year, haha. Ended up pretty much leaving Instagram and facebook completely and I haven’t missed it one bit. Just the thought of having to rejoin gives me an icky feeling 😬
I have really been enjoying using substack and the longer form posts. I really enjoy creating these posts, where doing instagram posts felt like such a chore.
Thanks for the peek into your thoughts on the subject!
Thanks so much for reading, and for sharing your thoughts. Just recently I decided to use Instagram occasionally to post again, and I’ve noticed that I’m getting sucked back in with the doom scrolling. I don’t know if I can delete it completely just yet, something is keeping me from doing so (a fear?), and yet when I do post, I can’t seem to just go on, post and leave. The addictive nature of it is awful. I will search out your post as I’m interested to read it.
Cara is growing on me. My favourite feature is that I can go to the search function and click 'latest' and see AAAAlll of the latest art. Beginners, dabblers, amateurs. Not just the big names with breath-taking work. Instagram took that away when they killed their search function and tag search functions. But I want to meet other artists who are like me, someone I can become online (and maybe offline) friends with.
That sounds really positive, I’m glad you’re getting so much out of it. I still haven’t ventured over to Cara, due to being busy with other things at the moment, but I may take a look when the opportunity arises xx
Like you I have found much that is - or was - good about Instagram. I have made real life, real friendships through it. But I've become aware lately that it's shortening my attention span for reading books, and that horrifies me. I'm also fed up not seeing the accounts I want to see, and by the jangly reels. Pondering starting a Substack, as I used to blog. There are some fantastic gardening Substacks, including Jo Thompson's The Gardening Mind, which are creating a real community. Wishing you a good summer and fulfilment of lots of things on your wish list. They all sound good to me!
Yes, sadly this is the problem isn’t it? We don’t see who we follow and our feeds are obliterated by things we’re not interested in.
Thank you for sharing Jo’s Substack, I’ll look her up. I’ve found so many interesting accounts on here, and I’m learning about so many things. I hope you enjoy your summer too xxx
I really hear everything that's said here. The attention span stuff is a worry but as anyone who comes off, or has a detox or whatever can testify, it does come back. But as long as we are still engaging with media that deliver everything is little snack bites, we do find it harder to go deeper or and keep our attention on things for longer. I often wonder what would happen if I just sopped posting on instagram...