Social Media: I've Cracked The Code...Or Have I??

Social Media: The Digital Jungle of Validation and Chaos

Ah, the beautiful mess that is social media—a digital jungle where every platform is its own unpredictable beast and everyone’s out here battling for likes, comments, and the ever-elusive validation that we definitely don’t need (but totally do).

Honestly, I started this whole thing to document my hikes and maybe motivate a fellow geriatric or two to get off the couch and hit the trail. “If I can do it, surely you can too,” was the vibe.

But now? Oh, now I’m hooked. I live for the interaction. The comments. I have been sucked in dammit.

Honestly, I’ve never felt so validated—finally, my lifelong affliction of being rude, intolerant, impatient, and aggressively authentic is getting the recognition it deserves.

It seems the world doesn’t need another overly polished, people-pleasing, self-censoring Stepford personality.

I have realised my vibe isn’t a flaw—it’s a superpower. Turns out this spicy little personality of mine was just ahead of its time.

Yes please! Validation looks good on me.

Anyhoo...moving on.

Understanding the Algorithm? No Clue

Apparently, the trick with social media is to pretend you know exactly what you're doing. Act like you’ve cracked the algorithm. Meanwhile, I’m over here frantically Googling, “Should I post a reel before or after 3 pm or just give up entirely?”

Yes, that's right. I don’t know what I’m doing. And guess what? I’m completely okay with it. In fact, I’m thriving in my glorious ignorance. I ask anyone with a pulse (or a Wi-Fi connection) for advice. Loudly. Publicly. Shamelessly. Because if there’s one thing I am, it’s authentically confused—but in a really charming way, I swear.

That said… I have picked up a few scraps of wisdom. (Shocking, I know). And because I’m generous like that, I will share. Well actually because I’m hoping that in return, you’ll spill your secrets too.

So, what I’ve learned is this: social media platforms are feral animals. Completely different species. Each with their own strange rituals and temperamental moods. I started on everything, because of course I did. But now I’ve narrowed it down to the unholy trinity: Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

TikTok: The Platform That Loved Me... Then Ghosted Me

Let’s start with TikTok. It suckered me in with early success—my videos got plenty views, my kids were confused, and for a hot second, I believed I was the next geriatric TikTok sensation. But then TikTok ghosted me. Views tanked, confidence deflated, and suddenly my feed was drowning in pathetic little ads begging me to “boost” my reach—for a fee, of course. Please, TikTok. Don’t insult me.—your shady algorithm games don’t fool me..

So now I’m still on it, but mostly lurking, obsessively watching other people’s content and wondering why someone cleaning grout has 3 million likes. Meanwhile, I still don’t know if views or likes matter more. (Seriously, does anyone?)

Instagram: The Glitter Wind Tunnel of My Content Strategy

Next up: Instagram. Honestly? I have no idea what’s going on over there. Every post feels like I’m throwing glitter into a wind tunnel and hoping it lands somewhere meaningful. Sometimes it does. Usually, it doesn’t. Instagram is basically the Bermuda Triangle of my content.

Facebook’s Algorithm: It Cares About Momentum, Not Effort

But Facebook? Oh, sweet, semi-abandoned Facebook. That dusty digital retirement home where I’ve somehow, kinda, maybe cracked the code. Which honestly makes sense—because anyone under 35 wouldn’t touch it with a ten-foot selfie stick. So maybe it’s just a generational perk. Congrats to us, I guess.

Here’s what I’ve pieced together from the Facebook void: it’s all about momentum. Yes, consistency, timing and content matter. But what really counts? If your post catches a whiff of attention early, it snowballs. Fast.

One random throwaway thought? Boom. Sorted. Meanwhile, the heartfelt masterpiece you spent hours on? Crickets. Literal digital tumbleweed.

Because Facebook’s algorithm doesn’t care about your feelings. It’s not here for your effort, your passion, or your hours of creative penmanship. No, no. The algorithm is a fickle little swine. The algorithm giveth… and the algorithm ghosteth..

So those are my pearls of wisdom: I don’t understand Instagram, I understand TikTok even less, and Facebook’s success is basically a cosmic accident. You’re welcome.

Help......anyone??