Issue #9: Why I Quit Instagram

With some favorite images from the CA, NY, and MT eras.

I had been thinking about it for a while. Multiple factors contributed to me finally deleting the app from my phone, but the big one was the nagging voice in the back of my head telling me I was addicted to Instagram.

I had a lot of work to do (still do). And even when doing the things I loved, I often found myself distracted and just scrolling endlessly. Not really looking at… anything, really. When I had a break in creative flow state, or a natural pause in the work day, I would immediately pick up my phone and check the app. Even after work while at dinner or when putting the kids to bed it was there… taking up space. Wasn’t there something better I could do with my time?

But I was also asking these questions: Who really owns my art/content/data? How can I promote my business more effectively? How can I keep learning? Is Mark Zuckerberg a complete Tool? What does being on a social platform give me in return? What’s the next big thing?

Remember when Instagram was cool?

It was a place to express yourself - through photography, art, design, or otherwise. And people really loved it. It felt like a community. It certainly was a huge prop of the design community in SF and other cities for most of the 2010s. Many designers and artists I know owe a whole lot of their success to Instagram.

But that era is gone. It’s been a long while since I’ve felt that sense of community from the app. Now my own interests are drowned out by an algorithm that puts corporate and influencer interests at the top of my feed. (Not surprised. Thank you Capitalism!) It has also been a long time since I’ve shared anything on the platform, and even longer since I felt like I was being seen. So it was time.

I still haven’t deleted my account. That’s the Final Boss move I’m psyching myself up for. Knowing myself, I’m guessing it will take another week or so of procrastination and carefully considering the pros/cons of yanking myself from the yet another platform before cutting the cord completely (I also deleted my Twitter account in late 2024).

I have to say I really don’t miss it much. My life has already improved by a measure or two. I’ve already downloaded my data from the platform, I just have to hit that little red button and never look back.

For the next little while at least, this is the only? place you can find me on the internet. And I honestly hope at some point in the future someone will build a new platform that feels like a real community- where people can share their creativity in an honest way and come together online to enjoy art, photography, and more.

Thanks for following along!
B

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App Obsession: Merlin Bird ID

Speaking of apps. This weekend, I’m headed off-grid to a remote island for some camping with the kids, and one of the few reasons I still bring my phone with me on such occasions is the Merlin Bird ID app from Cornell Lab. This app has been around for a while, but I love playing with it and wanted to share it here for those who haven’t checked it out yet.

You can use it to identify any bird via their chirps, calls, and songs through an easy-to-use audio recording feature in the app. You can keep a library of all the birds you have encountered, as well as browse through a catalog of thousands of birds and hear their sounds and learn about their biology, history, and the region they live in. It fuels a deep engagement and knowledge in nature for those interested, and that’s a great tool to have in your pocket. And it’s way cooler than Instagram in its own way, so if you are into ornithology check it out.

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Work Update: Immediate Availability

Work has been exciting and busy this summer. Even with that, as I look into the near future, I still have opportunity to bring on one more client for the right project. Interested in working with a fractional leader in brand identity, with loads of experience in the technology and startup space? Have a referral or connection to make? Let’s chat!

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