Social media often feels like a necessary evil for artists, designers, and cultural leaders striving to share their work and ideas. At the centre of every platform is an algorithm–a human-built system of rules and code designed to maximise attention and keep you scrolling. But the only real threat to these platforms is your decision to do anything else: to focus on your personal life, pursue a hobby, or step outside into the real world. The app’s biggest competitor isn’t another app—it’s your other priorities.
Here’s the catch: you, as a creator, also operate with an internal ‘algorithm’. You decide how to behave, what to prioritise, and where your energy flows. When you put your approach above the rigid logic of platform algorithms, friction emerges. This is particularly true for artists and creatives, who invest significant emotional and intellectual energy into their work. The irritation, frustration, and eventual disdain towards algorithm-driven platforms stems from this fundamental mismatch: external systems dictating ‘best practice’ creative behaviour, often at odds with authentic artistic processes.
For creatives, being told how to act in order to perform well on social media feels unnatural. It’s like being asked to filter your artistic instincts through a machine designed for mass attention, rather than depth or nuance. Algorithm creators intend to shape and condition user behaviour, nudging everyone toward trends that serve the platform’s interests. The result? Many creatives experience burnout or disengagement, stating openly that they are ready to leave social media behind because its design runs against the grain of why and how they create.
Another layer of complexity: social algorithms aren’t static. They continually evolve, demanding constant adjustment from users. This flexibility is engineered to harvest more data and maintain platform stickiness, but for creators, it means a relentless pressure to tweak, adapt, and sometimes compromise on the core value of their work. The system encourages attention-grabbing content, fast reactions, and relentless presence—qualities not always compatible with thoughtful creation or community building.
Yet, abandoning these platforms altogether neglects their potential as tools for exposure and connection. There’s an undeniable opportunity—if you invest strategic time and energy, you might achieve the visibility or engagement you seek. But much of the audience has been deeply conditioned by the algorithm, responding to content in ways that rarely align with the mindset or rhythm of creators. The methods by which content is produced, shared, and interpreted become misaligned, leaving many artists caught between authentic expression and performative adaptation.
This leads to a set of tough choices. You can choose to play the algorithm’s game: study signals, optimise for engagement, and produce for virality. This path works for some. Others stay true to their vision, accepting a narrower but more aligned audience, focusing on meaningful connection rather than broad reach. And then there is a large group that simply adapts as the rules shift, treating each new update as a call to change their strategy yet again. For all, the struggle remains: how to maintain your own creative ‘algorithm’ while negotiating with the relentless demands of social platforms.
For anyone working at the intersection of creativity and technology, this tension is inescapable. There’s no one solution, but strategic self-awareness is essential. Analyse your own creative flow, set clear boundaries, and keep purpose at the core. Social media may condition behaviour, but it should not determine the core of your artistry.
Ready to rethink your approach to digital platforms and creative strategy? Connect with MCJ Studio today.
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