// THE WORD THIS WEEK:

It’s January 22, and we’re marking our 22nd VIBRANT Revolt with some reflections on the tangled mess that is social media in 2025.

Here’s the rundown: Instagram is still trying to be TikTok and failing spectacularly. Reels feel like a half-baked attempt at deep personalization, serving up rage-bait, AI sludge, and vibes that scream algorithmic overload. Meanwhile, TikTok—despite its flaws—continues to feel authentic, a space where your For You Page actually gets you.

Back in 2022, Instagram leaned hard into video and discovery, ditching its roots in photos and community. The backlash was swift—remember Kylie Jenner’s infamous “make Instagram Instagram again” post? Fast forward, and not much has changed. Instagram is stuck in an identity crisis, trying to be everything to everyone and losing itself in the process.

So what’s the takeaway for artists? Stop waiting for these platforms to figure themselves out. Build your own corner of the internet where your work shines, and your community grows organically. Let the algorithms churn while you focus on creating and connecting in ways that actually matter.

Here’s to cutting through the noise in 2025.