You’re Killing Me Instagram, But We Won’t Break Up

So I wasn’t going to write this post. I thought it might be a bad idea and might bother some people. But you know what? Who cares. I think it’s important to share with you my feelings on these things. So without further ado let’s get into why I can’t stand Instagram right now (it’s more of a love/hate).

You’re Killing Me Instagram

Dear Instagram,

I started my account a long time ago. When I first started traveling, I think I posted maybe three photos from my entire five months in Europe on my account. I didn’t start it because I wanted to travel for free or get free things. It was a way to show my friends and family what was going on in my life. When I decided to change my fashion blog into a travel blog, I focused on growing that account. And I put up original content. And I took photos because I was I already going to that place, not the other way around.

There’s this level of perfection that is now portrayed across everyone’s feeds, and you know what? It’s just not real. Whatever happened to traveling for travels sake? Whatever happened to learning about a destination and a culture, and not just traveling there to snap a beautiful photo. It shouldn’t have to be an either/or. Influencers and regular users shouldn’t feel the need to only post perfect, pretty photos. So I challenge whoever is reading this, to share a little bit more of yourself–keep posting whatever you want to share, but make sure your personality is being portrayed, whether it’s in your photos, captions, or stories.

But back to you, Instagram. You’re making it really hard to feel like I can continue to build something.

Don’t Get Me Started On That Algorithm

And apparently, because I decided to grow my account a few years ao, I’m penalized because it’s considered “old” and the ever-changing algorithm favors newer accounts when it comes to growth. But, I have spent so much time over the past three years building that account from a personal one where I shared a whole lot of nothing, to an account that I’m really proud of. So, you’ve kind of cornered me into a wall.

You have all these little rules that I have to follow, but they change constantly. So as soon as I’m starting to get comfortable, you pull the rug out from under me. And the never-ending loop begins again. And I still spend hours and hours commenting and liking other people’s photos. I engage with the people who comment on my photos…and then you block me from doing that.

Do you see where I’m going with this? It kind of seems like you don’t want me to succeed. It seems like you’re pitting me against myself because I don’t quite understand you. You see Instagram, you used to be a wonderful, inspiring platform. Now my feed is cluttered with loop giveaways and repetitive content (a lot of which I saw two days ago when I first liked it, but still you make me look at it again).

And don’t get me started on the growth. People have been forced to feel as if the only way they’re going to grow is by following and unfollowing people. Which in my opinion is really hypocritical when the whole point of you is to share beautiful content with your community. So Instagram, I think it’s time to get your shit together.

But, before you go, I want to tell you why I keep coming back to you…

But I Won’t Break Up With You

Missing all the babes who were in the Dominican Republic with me!! ••• Currently holed up in my hotel room in Edinburgh trying to get my bearings! Feeling a bit under the weather and jet lagged, but I’m already falling in love with this city! Excited for a full day of exploring tomorrow! 📸 @nickargires

A post shared by Travel Colorfully (@taylor_fuller) on Oct 27, 2017 at 3:33pm PDT

While you stress me out, Instagram, you’ve also brought me so many great things. Because of you, I have friends all over the world. My travels have been more exciting because I’ve been able to connect with people in real life that  I talk to every day. I have been able to not only build a great little community, but I’ve become apart of one too.

Because of you, I have met at least 77 people over the last year and a half (yes, I counted but I might have missed a few). And some of those people have traveled around the world with me or become very good friends. So thank you for that.

I'm a huge clutz. I trip pretty much everywhere I walk. So when I saw this beach in the distance, and saw that you had to hike down to it, I opted for sneakers. And then I felt bad about myself when I saw all of the Croatians walked down with umbrellas, chairs, coolers, and at least two pool floats in flip flops. 😂 ••• Have you ever had an experience like that?

A post shared by Travel Colorfully (@taylor_fuller) on Aug 14, 2017 at 9:47am PDT

I also have to say thank you for allowing me to travel the world in a unique way. I get a lot of opportunities from you, Instagram. And I am so grateful for that.

So, Why Am I Writing This? 

There’s always a little bit of bad with the good. It’s just the way you frame it. So my vow to you, for the rest of the year, is that I will try harder not to be affected by the numbers. I won’t look at the number of followers, or likes, or comments I get. I will look at the opportunities that are presented to me. And the people I get to meet along the way.

But, still, try to get your shit together…At least a little bit.

Best (because I can’t bring myself to say love),

Taylor

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