Instagram in the Eyes of a Social Media Boomer - The Shaved Bear (2024)

S.M.B… That little acronym right there could mean many things depending on who’s mouth it is coming from, especially if your South Park’s Mr. Garrison. However, in our instance here I will define it as a ‘social media boomer’. Another clearer and more cut definition of that would simply be the name ‘Greg’. I’m displeased with the world social media has created the same way any boomer is with the younger generation’s lifestyle. But my frustration is all a farse. Truthfully, I’m on the outside of it, I don’t want to be, but I’m not going to do a damn thing about it. So, the circle keeps going ’round and ’round, and I just keep complaining. Ergo, myself and anyone else born before 1965 need to decide whether to shut up or nut up. And I promise I will right after I write this.

I’m a social media dinosaur. TikTok was my ‘Big Bang’. I couldn’t have that app and also have knees that popped when I stood up. That’s just oil on water. There are new trends, slang, and overall ways of living that have risen, and I’m too proud to adapt. Look at this dinosaur now.

Cangro, on the other hand, is not. We are like the drumsticks to a drum set, the wheels on a bicycle, or even the arms on a human – sh*t’s just easier with two. He handles the social media and photography. I handle the website and podcast [I swear I’m working on it; your patience is beyond appreciated]. My problem with all of this, though, is if the roles were reversed, he could handle anything I’m doing. I unfortunately could not. And it’s all because of a little (big) issue I have re-learning Instagram.

With my luck I would try to share a photo and accidentally livestream a shower sing-along to NSYNC. Except I sound more like OWTASYNC. I got rid of Instagram in 2020, days before some turmoil broke out in Minneapolis. Mentally, I posted a black square. From that day on, I never missed the app. I never coveted those who had it. Some days I missed the memes, but overall, I was happier without it. Gone were the days of moving through life in the cold shadow of those teens in Dubai living a more lavish life than I could ever dream of.

Then we started this, and boy would some social media knowledge be nice. As I peered over Cangro’s shoulder the other day like a curious boy to the railing of a zoo exhibit he could just barely see over, I noticed there were creatures about. In the picture I saw, she was tall, pretty, and even looked like she had a great relationship with her father, but no likes. Not a single one. Then to my surprise, I found out not every picture had the amount of likes under it. Why post the picture if not seeking the validation of others?

My curiosity was peaked. What else has changed, I thought to myself. I snatched the phone like a pond turtle to free bread and rifled through this unknown turf. Stories?! What about Snapchat? Reels?!?! What about TikTok?? TikTok!!!! What about Vine?!?!?! These thoughts seized my mind and then it finally dawned on me. I was old, washed up, and admittedly had to look up what ‘glaze’ meant on Urban Dictionary. It’s hilarious by the way.

Amidst my earthly confusion came a sun ray of knowledge. A feature that allowed others who didn’t follow you to view your post through a mutual friend of each other’s? Get out of town. It was called ‘share’. And share people did! People were kind enough to enjoy the work Cangro put in and have the desire to share it. Like a stock, they took ownership of it. And I couldn’t be more appreciative of the people who have.

While not opposed to change, I realized I could never attune myself at the rate it is changing. I will leave it to the professionals. To those who can spin a web of beauty. To those who have talents and skills to share and teach. Even those still posting a nugget of weed that looks slightly purple, I commend all of you for your resiliency and adaptability. It is time for me not to nut up, but to shut up, and to thank all of you guys who know how to like, comment, share, and show love to what we are doing. It doesn’t go without everyday appreciation!