I keep being asked by incredulous creatives how it’s possible I’m not on Instagram. If this doesn’t, by itself, belie a massive underlying issue, I’m not sure what does. When I reply, “I don’t like the parent company, and I don’t like Mark Zuckerberg,” I’m often met with an even more baffling yet somehow expected reply: “Why?” It’s fascinating how someone can be so tone deaf. Many of these same people claim to care about the world. They say the right things, check all the “concerned” boxes, yet somehow feel perfectly okay feeding money and time into a company that is actively working to destroy them and their way of life.
The evidence to this point is overwhelming. OVERWHELMING. And yet there they are.
You could claim physical addiction, and you would be right. IG takes over. I’ve seen it destroy so many good photographers who are now a pale, content-driven shadow of themselves. Unable to maintain eye contact, unable to get through a conversation without clutching their little device. Unable to get through a conversation without referencing some obscure thing they found on the app, something that they “just have to show you.” “Did you see X?” “Did you see X?” They are unable to listen. They wait for you to stop talking so they can spew the next round of someone else’s thoughts. If you grew up with this behavior, you might not think anything of it, or you might even think this is normal. It is not.
I quit IG in 2014. It was the first app I deleted on a day when I deleted seven total platforms. The minute I recognized what the app had done to me was the minute I wrote to my boss, the founder of Blurb, and said, “I’m going to delete all my social media.” I was, after all, the brand’s ambassador, which meant I was expected to be firmly entrenched in IG. “Go ahead,” she said, “but write about why you are doing it.” So, I did. That post exploded. People reached out from all over the world asking for help. People admitted to losing families and jobs due to their social addiction. I had to write a follow-up post to let people know I was NOT the person to ask for psychological help. I also received hate mail. “You are too stupid to understand the beauty of IG.” This type of thing. At one point, you could Google my name and see a long list of these comments.
I’m just an average guy. Average in every way. Not the sharpest or brightest or most pioneering. Not the most talented or most likely to succeed. Average. And it only took me about two months to see the damage this app was causing our world. And this was eleven years ago. Fast forward to today, and anyone unable to see the destruction either doesn’t care or doesn’t want to see it. When I see a person of value grab their phone first thing in the morning and begin the mindless flip, I can’t help but feel pity. Okay, not really. I don’t feel pity at all. I move away. I don’t want to be anywhere near these people. They are like playing tennis against a concrete wall.
I still have my Instagram.
It’s not connected to the app. It could be seen as direct opposition. It looks like the image above. This photograph is from my morning Instagram, but this same scene plays out at all times of day and night. It’s kinda like IG except I’m not pouring my money and data into Zuck’s coffers, and it forces my brain into long-form content as opposed to short form, and it forces me to use my imagination, and it doesn’t require a battery, and it doesn’t come with massive streams of curated advertising. And I don’t have to endure countless other users who will do anything for a like.
If you haven’t tried this form of Instagram, it’s out there waiting for you. You don’t need to sign a contract that consumes all your privacy. You don’t need a device. You won’t worry about your “Flow” or how many strangers and bots have given you a pat on the illusionary back. You won’t get distracted by another app or advertisement. It’s quiet. This form has been around for ages and is practiced by every single person of interest I know. Yep, all the best do it. None of the best use Instagram. That might shock some of you, but it’s true. There is a parallel world out there, one that doesn’t connect or engage. Those who know what a devastating waste of time things like Instagram are. If you practice my form of Instagram, you will meet these “real” people. It will take time and will be agonizingly slow, but you will meet them.
I recently met a photographic superstar who is also an Instagram darling. Masses of followers. On the surface, his life is wine and roses, but when I asked about Instagram his response was, “I fucking hate it.” He was a prisoner of the facade. Sure, it was paying off, but he was a broken man who never once relaxed. His face was a representation of perpetual mild annoyance. I didn’t feel pity for him either. This conversation reminded me of another I had at Outdoor Retailer years ago. I was introduced to another IG darling who had millions of followers and was considered a wild success by everyone in that industry, which is a $463 billion a year business. “What now?” I asked him. “I just quit IG,” he said. “I’m moving back to my home country and going to law school.” “IG is pure evil,” he added. “That’s a bit extreme,” I replied. Remember, this was years ago, before IG and FB had unleashed their full fury. “Listen to the excuses,” he said. “Listen to why people tell you they are still using the app.” “It’s like junkies justifying the next hit.”
This made me ponder one more question. How can you complain about the current political climate and still use Instagram? Knowing the parent company is greatly responsible for what’s happening. How? I’ve written about IG many times, but these puzzling questions from creatives keep me writing. “How do you know what’s going on if you aren’t on IG?” Are you serious? Good grief. This is where we are. There’s a flipside to this coin, however, and I see it as a wildly positive place. A place outside all this junk. You’re aware of my stance on IG, but you’re also familiar with my views on platforms like YouTube. I’ve decided for the second time to abandon my YouTube channel. I haven’t told anyone yet, so don’t say anything, but it’s happening.
I determined that my YouTube channel is doing more harm than good. Hear me out. What I determined is that eighty percent of viewers talk about photography but never make photographs. They bounce from channel to channel on YouTube, but never leave the house to practice their photography. I’m part of that problem. I’m making things worse. I make a film about long-term projects, and I get a fair number of questions. But almost no one starts a long-term project. Many conversations begin with, “I know it’s not about the gear…..but,” and then the conversation becomes all about the gear. Eighty percent watch gear reviews about equipment they have no intention of buying. Mini subcultures like film Leica users create a whirlwind of noise, but when faced with using the cameras, they stand around in circles, dressed like 1980s photojournalists, while doing little more than talking about their cameras. (Saw this multiple times on my last trip to NYC.) This is what YouTube does.
I believe there is a world outside this mess, and I believe it is a super cool, all-inclusive place. Sure, you have to look for it. If you are too lazy to leave your IG or YT feed, you will never find it, but the keepers of these places are okay with this. If you are too lazy to look, well, they don’t want to engage with you anyway. This might sound harsh, at least I hope it does. It’s meant to be. But it’s not a neck punch. It’s more of a Will Smith open-handed slap. I’m not your friend at this moment. I’m your advisor. That’s all. I know of the places I mention, but I’m not telling you where they are or who operates them. That’s on you. No more handholding. No more shortcuts. No more do it for me.
You might be happy flipping IG, and if you are, good on ya mate! (Nod to Aussie friends.) But for the rest of you who look up with glazed eyes after your latest Instagram session, brain tinged with guilt and remorse, just know there’s hope for you yet. Think about it this way. This could be the first day of the rest of your life.
PS: I will still make and host films, periodically, but on my site, not on YouTube. I’m not sure what they will be about. The production quality will mostly likely suck. One more thing. I’ve never been to an AI site. Never. Not once. I have no interest, but I’m still trying to figure out real intelligence. If I can’t be bothered to write something or do a voiceover, then why would you want to take the time to read or listen to it?
Comments 30
You never fail to sort my head out! I read your work and feel like I’m cured all over again. Another thing that’s just as bad as IG now is YouTube Shorts. Just today at work, one of the kids told me they woke up at 4:30 a.m. and secretly watched Shorts for two hours before their parents got up. That’s two hours straight of ten-second videos filled with absolute nonsense! I couldn’t believe it! My head would implode!
Author
Yes, I have to make them. Well, I don’t have to, but when I travel and do events for Blurb it’s about the only thing I have time for. I’m about to demonetize my channel and move away from YT again. It’s such a silly place.
Left facebook 6 years ago. A couple of months ago my cell phone got ran over, story for another time, anyway, when my replacement phone came in, I’ve not been back on IG since. And I love it. I don’t miss FB or IG. Spending more time reading on my Kindle app. Check out Dreamland by Sam Quinones, great read so far.
As always, thanks Dan. Stay safe and be well.
Mike
Author
That’s called a “Happy Accident.”
I once saw a greeting card with a bunch of old bicycles piled up on a sidewalk.
Inside the card it simply read, “It used to be this was how we found our friends…”
Author
Yes, how far we have fallen.
Oh my … I quit Twitter in 2009 and never was on Instagram or WhatsApp. I reduce my use of Github to a bare minimum (no stars, no following). I log into Youtube every two months to post a comment.
I took 619 photographies on a six-day group holiday in South Tyrol, developped 236 in Rawtherapee and created an A1 photo canvas from 58 of those in Affinity Publisher.
And today I picked up another Kentmere 400 film from the drug store shot in May with my Canon A1 for nostalgic reasons and for fun.
Author
That sounds like a good method.
IG aside, Dan, you aren’t average, whatever that is.
Author
If you could only see my test scores.
I hate the fact that I have to spend money on Meta as part of my day job. But the death of other communications avenues leaves few real alternatives. So in an act of rebellion, I don’t use any of this stuff personally.
Author
There are other ways, but most commercial vendors don’t want to work that hard or look that long term.
Oh man, that image is exactly how I like to start my day( after my chores of making the wife coffee and feeding/running the dogs). I try to stay away from the phone for at least two hours in the morning.
Author
Smart!
Another great post. So very important for the younger generation to read. I agree with every point you said. People don’t tend to see the broader picture. However, I understand how geographical locations and culture can affect this IG addiction. Especially in India. I am not talking about other people, I am talking about creatives – photographers, painters (artists), musicians, dancers, etc. 90% of the creatives here cannot earn enough money to even pay rent, and anything creative is not considered a ‘real’ job. People can do day jobs and parallely practice arts, but here the job life is so fucked up, that people can’t do that. Especially in Kolkata, most people are economically way below the par, and thus they cannot sustain the life of a creative. Few those who dare to live that life need to bow before social media, because no one, literally no one hires a creative without social media here. Abstaining completely from social media means absolutely no money. No money means find day job and lose every last time for creativity. My own cousins work from 7am in the morning till 11 pm in the night in corporate just to survive. And I am being brutally honest.
So, I get the people who have social media, at least here in India. But like me, though I use the media and firmly intend to leave it as soon as I drive some audience from there to my website, I am not addicted to it. I post, and it takes about 5 minutes, and that’s the extent of my IG use per day. No scrolling, no engulfing misinformation.
Ps. I hope you continue making videos, wherever you feel comfortable. Just know, there are people like me, who listen and follow your every word and go out and work on long-form projects and practice photography actively 🙂
Author
It’s a Catch 22. For some, like you mention, they are trapped. Others follow the path of least resistance.
“The production quality will mostly likely suck.”
Mate, I reckon I speak for the whole crew when I say we’re glued to your stuff cause you dish up the real deal without all the bullshit and nonsense you’ve called out in this post (and many before it). If anyone’s chasing a Christopher Nolan-style production with more bells and whistles than a bogan’s ute, they’ll find it in droves on the aforementioned platforms. But for us lot? It’s your no-nonsense yarns, hard earned wisdom, and deep dives into the nitty-gritty of long-term photography gigs, book and journal makin’ that keep us hooked. You’re a deadset legend Dan, cheers.
By the way, following your recommendation from a few weeks back, I’ve launched a short-term project focusing on CBD commuters. I spent a morning in the CBD, roaming key transport hubs and snapping photos to weave my preconceived narrative into a visual story. As somewhat of an introvert, stepping out to shoot in such a bustling environment wasn’t easy, especially with strangers eyeballing me like I’m some unhinged psycho, no doubt wondering, ‘What’s this sketchy bastard plotting with that camera?” Aside from that it was so good getting out there learning and immersing myself in the experience…..and all thanks to you.
Author
Well, thank you. I hope to bring something interesting in the future. I’ve seen some great projects on commuters, so keep plugging.
Danielsan, I remember as well, way back when Zuck bought IG…His first move was to commandeer the copyrights of ALL photos on the platform. There was a lot of “real” photogs still working then and they lashed-out causing a full media storm backlash. He subsequently backed off. However, shortly thereafter offering an UNBELIEVABLE “terms of agreement” that granted them the use of all images / in any and all forms / in “perpetuity” for ZERO compensation. But not to worry…As you still retain your copyright. Really? REALLY? No thanks Mate!
Author
Oh ya, photographers complained, as always, but not only didn’t abandon the app, they doubled down on it now wondering why their industry is toast.
Your observations around YT viewers avoiding going out to photograph and hopping from one ‘how to’ to the new 45mm f 1.2 from China are staggeringly accurate. In a similar way to long term prisoners not being able to function outside of prison.
It is a new phenomenon of the psychology of photography. They overwhelm themselves with possibilities to the point where nothing is possible. They of course are me.
Although, I’m not typical of that type: I don’t have any SM involvement and I’ve spent 42 years as a working freelance photographer. Nevertheless, I still find myself paralysed by the entrapment of gorging myself on information videos. Having spent so many years photographing to order, I’m at a loss to find my photo tribe. This searching is cyclical. Round and round you go, trying to find that genre that fits, a genre that nobody else has found. The endless quest for originality. And the heroin to soothe the anxiety of a fruitless search is more YT videos, in the hope that the holy grail of photographic projects is crawling its way down your fibre optic.
Author
I could not have said this better, and I KNOW I’m part of the problem. YT is such a dark place when it comes down to. As I’ve said before, “fix your toilet” guy is awesome and that serves such a good purpose, but the photography side is loaded with content that does nothing to help. In fact, I think it makes things worse. I could say the same about any subject. Bikes, guns, fly rods, shoes, etc. It’s just crushes people.
You’re not the problem. In fact, you’re one of the few, if not THE ONLY one who clearly distinguishes between real life and the aether life. The mere fact I put down on (paper)? Digital paper, my inner demons is cathartic. And no, I don’t see you as the agony uncle of photographers, wringing their hands in desperate need to cut the Tube of You. You can safely know, we’ll not be dragging our wretched carcass through the cactus of New Mexico to fetch up at the door of the master, in search of celluloid meditation and the blanket of a well fondled journal:))
Don’t stop producing encouraging, optimistic and thought provoking videos….. it’s always the others !
Author
I’m on it. Kinda. I have ideas for what will be fun.
Fantastic article, thank you so much. I have been debating to instagram or not to instagram for like 2 years now. I need to get off my behind and revamp my website, make it proper for sharing photographic work for real, and that’s on me.
I have that very clear. Thanks again for this. Will be following your website moving forward.
Author
There is no point in starting IG now. It’s done. It will only get more cruel for less return.
Is that—gasp—a library book? I really enjoyed Synott’s book about Everest. I have found a similar start to my day to be the most effective way to have a decent day. Cheers!
Author
Oh yes. I rarely buy these days because 60-80 books a year adds up, and I have no place to put them. Especially in the van.
I just down my Facebook account in 2020, right before the lockdowns hit. And twitter (when it was still twister) a couple of months after- though I never really used that one. I have been contemplating using Instagram after years of not, because a lot of my real life-bump into contacts keep asking me about my handle, or way to recommend me or schedule shows to shoot.
After a lot of resistance, I have been contemplating to find out more about it, and maybe do it. And then I bump into articles like this one.
You and I share quite a bit of the same views about IG, and what’s going on. A big of a problem I find myself in- I have a lot of photos at this point, some of them dare I say good. How do you get discovered more?
I was / am horrible at marketing myself and now for the first time I am making a push for that. I was thinking of using IG purely for that point of view. But man I re-read this column again and I get again 2nd thoughts.
A good friend of mine photographer and ex-ambassador for one of the big companies some time ago told me that he has an account, but he barely uses it, and my end game should always be my own website.
That part I think I got. How does it get spread around and seen is my question. I had the absolute luck in 2010-11 that the San Francisco symphony contacted me to license one of my photos- but they found that I guess on a google search, to my website and they were diligent enough to click on the e-mail link and ask me if it was really my photo and discuss terms.
But that’s such a lucky case (the photo was used and was used on ads, and still used on the over of the production- West Side Story- from the San Francisco Symphony).
Author
Your friend is spot on. But you need to do a few things first. Slow down, and ask yourself if your work is at a level that would demand a following or for clients to want to engage. I ask because a lot of folks that show me their work have zero idea what they are doing. They shoot random things then wonder why no one bothers to like their work. We must always start with a realistic assessment of our work. Next, understand this is a marathon not a sprint. Social followers are mostly meaningless, but someone who opts in to get your newsletter might be a real person with real interest in your work. Best case scenario, this will take years to build. That’s reality. Social distracts people because they see it as a shortcut. It can be for 1% of the 1%.