If you’ve followed me on Instagram for a while now, you might see I post much less often than the average personal account. Obviously, it doesn’t compare to those who don’t post at all, or have archived all of their posts. However, since 2017, I decided to limit my posting to once a year. There were a couple of factors behind this decision, which I’ll explain further in this post.
I despise social media. If you’ve read a lot of what I write, I exclude a lot of social media in fiction works. In blog posts, I sometimes say how little I care for it. There’s actually a post where I state how much I despise social media and steps I took to get off some platforms. It’s addicting, to say the least. I would argue, and the evidence backs it up, that social media is stunting the newest generation’s growth.
Why Just One Post?
The first idea was a point I originally had when I was more obsessed with likes and follows. I noticed trends of how people were engaging less and less with people that posted often. I saw a friend post nearly every week, and their likes were down compared to someone else’s who posted less frequently. So, I decided that one post a year would be sure to put me on the top of everyone’s homepage when I post.
Next, I was trying to get away from social media. Next to TikTok and Reddit (and this wasn’t always the case), I use Instagram the third most out of social media apps. It’s so easy to find yourself scrolling on the infinite tab, finding new ideas, following new people. By posting once a year, I would drag all of my attention in “needing” likes and follows to one or two days after the post.
Lastly, and similarly to the second point, I want to live more of my life outside of social media. The picture you present to the world is that of the one on social media. While things can suck in real life, and do, no one has to see on social media. It’s quite fake, and I dislike that. I would rather not show anything than only showing the positives in life.
2024’s Post
I wanted to highlight a little bit of this year’s post. Normally, I like to post a series of photos of a big vacation (preferably out of the country) or of a highlight in life (graduation, wedding). This year, I traveled a fair amount, but nothing significant. I made a big move, but wouldn’t consider it photographable. So, in my case, what the hell do I post to recap my 2024?
First, I chose a series of photos that represent the future. A couple of bridges, as everyone is (or should) be a fan of wooden foot bridges and a footpath from winter hiking in New Hampshire. The bridges are from St. Pete Beach, Florida and Hilton Head, South Carolina.
Two photos show the Houston skyline, which I now am lucky enough to be living in. It’s a vibrant city that has had plenty of positives, as well as plenty of negatives. Where I grew up with no skyscrapers, to the 4th most skyscrapers in a city.
Lastly, an Instagram post would be incomplete without showing the true love of my life (sorry Eileen), Loki. He’s a pain sometimes, but in those other moments, he’s my favorite little guy. I don’t think our apartment would ever have felt like home without him waiting for us every time we come back.
I threw in one final photo from Lake Todd in Bradford, New Hampshire. I lived in Bradford for over six months this year, and I will continually miss the beauty of the North.
I’m looking forward to the future and ready for what 2025 has to offer.