I have noticed something in my social media feeds. As I have fussed and worried about the algorithm on Facebook and Instagram, my feed has become less “me”. So, screw the algorithm.
I love IG, and I used to love posting to it, but lately people have been branding themselves and making really polished feeds. Which are beautiful, don’t get me wrong, but then I started to look too closely at them and second guess myself. I began to question the mood, colour scheme, filter and juxtaposition of every one of my posts. And, although my posts look slightly less ‘hot mess’ (less random dark shots, for example), they also cause me a fair bit of stress and don’t feel like me. Starting to compare myself with others made me second-guess my own instincts! I started to doubt my artistic eye and have posting anxiety.
My IG feed used to be fun and bring me joy, too. I want to get back to that place, whether or not it brings me to the top of the pile or gives me a million follows.
And when anxious, I research. So I googled and read every article on the “right” way to win the FB algorithm that is used on FB and IG. I read multiple posts and articles on how to win followers, up engagement, take the right photos and build the right mood. AND GUESS WHAT?! They were all DIFFERENT answers and conflicting information- because photos are an art form and art is subjective!!
It took me awhile to figure that out though. In the meantime, my feed looks a bit schizo. Why? Because for nine photos I thought, “Maybe this article is right and I’m this type of person” and then I would read ten more articles, think it was good advice and try those out, too. You know what doesn’t look random? You know what looks cohesive and really works together harmoniously? My home decorating. Because it was for me, not anyone else. As I was designing, I didn’t worry whether the general public would like it. I was only concerned with whether our family felt comfortable, I felt calm, and it suited my family of four. That’s it. And it all came together because my general personality is not random or all over the place. My house brings me joy. Being in it and around my family brings me happiness.
They were all DIFFERENT answers and conflicting information- because photos are an art form and art is subjective!!
My IG feed used to be fun and bring me joy, too. I want to get back to that place, whether or not it brings me to the top of the pile or gives me a million follows. I need to be free to be me, yo (Heehee). We need to trust our instincts, not a computer algorithm. Take care with your photos, but don’t stress over whether it looks perfect to someone else. Love what you have done and other like-minded people will find you.
Frida Kahlo said it best:
Seriously though, worrying about followers and aesthetic too much did my head in. Let’s just have fun and share our wonderful, weird, unique selves with the world.
Who’s with me!
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