I wish Instagram had a more mindful design
Imagine an Instagram app, thoughtfully designed to prioritize meaningful engagement over endless distraction
This is kind of a love-and-hate relationship I have with Instagram. On the one hand, I love it because it inspires me to do creative things. On the flip side, it seems designed to enslave me, demanding an amount of time and attention that simply isn’t sustainable.
In fact, I would say it is impossible to use Instagram mindfully nowadays because getting people to see more is engraved in the design language and the algorithm has got so smart at knowing what I like.
While I’ve taken a step back from the constant buzz of Instagram, my creative journey has not paused. I’ve been capturing moments through my lens, compiling a series of photographs that tell untold stories. I’ve ventured into the world of videography, crafting videos that capture the essence of silent narratives waiting to be heard.
As I consider my return to Instagram, I’m confronted with a critical question: How can I engage with Instagram in a way that enriches my creative journey rather than detracts from it? The platform’s design, with its endless scroll and enticing ‘Explore’ page, often leads us away from meaningful content. I yearn for a version of Instagram that allows me to focus solely on the feeds of those I follow, free from the distractions of algorithmically curated content.
But hear me out:
my goal is not just to manage my use of the platform but to redefine it.
It’s about creating a space where inspiration and creativity can flourish without the interference of distracting design elements. This involves conscious decisions about how and when to engage with the platform, ensuring that my presence is both intentional and impactful.
The challenge of balancing the benefits and distractions of Instagram mirrors a larger dilemma in our digital lives. It’s about finding ways to harness the potential of these platforms while minimizing their ability to divert our focus from what truly matters. As I continue to explore this balance, I’m reminded of the importance of mindful engagement and the power of curating our digital spaces to enrich our creative expression.
In this digital age, let’s not forget the original purpose of platforms like Instagram: to inspire, connect, and share the beauty of our creative endeavors with the world. By consciously shaping our interactions, we can transform our digital experiences into extensions of our creative selves, rather than distractions from our true passions.
How about you? I want to hear from you about the kind of relationship you have with platforms like Instagram. How do you use it in a way that doesn't rub you from the previous time you have left on this beautiful planet?
