Am I Too Old for Instagram?

Let’s set the record straight: I’m not a tech novice. At least, I didn’t think I was! From my first AOL account back in ’93 to my obsession with Netscape in ’95, I’ve always been quick to embrace new platforms. I ditched Friendster for MySpace before most of my friends even knew what an “avatar” was, and Facebook? I was all over that in 2007. My first status was something like, “Katie is plotting to take over the world.” (Your first status really says a lot about you, right?)

Everyone has their own quirks when it comes to social media. I joined Twitter in 2009, not quite understanding what the fuss was about. A book release was looming, and my PR team insisted I join the fray. Despite my initial skepticism, I dove in headfirst. Tweeting felt like crafting mini poems, and for a news junkie like me, it was a delightful escape into curated updates. I tweeted like there was no tomorrow.

Then, in late 2011, I heard about this trendy new platform called Instagram. Peer pressure got the best of me, and I made my first post. Let’s just say, it was awkward. I was so focused on filters that I forgot the basics. What even was Kelvin? And why were hashtags like #catsofinstagram a thing? Fast forward three years, and I’ve only posted a mere 48 times. Each post felt more like a chore than a joy, especially when I could easily crank out thousands of tweets.

Here’s how my Instagram experience typically goes: I spot something beautiful or interesting and think, “Wow, I need to capture this!” But then I get overwhelmed by the pressure to post something that will impress my followers. Unlike Twitter, where I freely share my thoughts, Instagram feels like a performance, and I’m not sure I know my lines.

And let’s be honest: I’m not hunting for likes or hearts. While they’re nice, it’s not why I post. We’re all brands now, whether we want to be or not. My social media presence is a hodgepodge of random thoughts, articles I’m reading, and the occasional plea for my favorite actor to notice me.

But Instagram? What am I even supposed to do with it? I really don’t need to see your fancy food or the same sunset from a hundred angles. And those hashtags that sound like they came straight out of a self-help retreat? Can we not? If you’re a photographer, I respect your craft. But for the rest of us, it can feel like a struggle, especially for someone like me—confused and feeling a bit out of place in this visual overload.

I’ve come to realize that we live in a hyper-visual society, and as someone who loves words, I might never truly fit in again. Don’t get me started on Pinterest or GIFs. Seriously, can we just hit pause on the GIFs?

But hey, if you’re interested in joining me on my Instagram journey, feel free to follow along. #sorrynotsorry

In summary, if you’re feeling out of place on Instagram or questioning whether it’s too late to join the visual party, you’re not alone. Many of us are navigating this complex landscape, and it’s okay to feel a bit lost. Just remember, there’s always room for our unique voices, even in a sea of selfies.

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