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Why am I starting a blog in 2025?
This question felt like the perfect topic for my first entry. I have a tendency to dive into creative projects without much advanced planning, so to rationalize my decision to carve out this tiny online space, I wanted to make sure I had fully thought through my reasons.
Social Media Fatigue & Cynicism
I need a new online outlet for my creativity and interests. Over the last few years, social media platforms have turned into corporate cesspools of trivial engagement and trends.
Everything is locked behind logins, and social media CEOs feel more controlling and in-your-face than ever.
The “Like” feature became a source of dopamine while also crushing my self-esteem when posts didn’t gain traction. Like many other creatives, I lost momentum once the algorithm took over — and eventually stopped caring about building a following.
After having kids, my perspective on online privacy shifted. I no longer felt comfortable sharing aspects of my personal life, especially in real-time.
The rise of Reels and quick-cut video content demanded more time to produce, leaving less room for the actual creation process. Creators lost freedom over what they could share without engagement penalties.
AI Takeover of the Internet
I miss the wild west era of the internet — when you could stumble upon a quirky site full of someone’s passion and creativity. Back then, the internet felt exciting and strange and human. Now, you’re the product. Nothing feels organic. Capitalism has its claws in everything, and nearly every article or post has a monetized incentive.
Returning to non-monetized blogging feels like a small rebellion against today’s tech landscape.
Choice Paralysis
I’ve struggled for years to figure out what my “personal brand” is. Designer? Collector? Hobbyist? Traveler? I used to envy influencers and designers who flourished in a niche. But once I gave up trying to please the algorithm (which favors single-category creators), I realized I didn’t have to pick one lane.
I have many hobbies, and sometimes it’s hard to jump back into one after a long break. I’m hoping that by logging progress and commentary here, I’ll be able to backtrack and reengage more easily.
Perfect is the Enemy of Good
Story of my life. I’ve spent years wrestling with this idea and will probably spend many more trying to overcome it. It was the biggest lesson I took away from university — yet I’m still paralyzed by perfectionism. Like eating healthy or working out, letting go of perfection takes mindfulness and ongoing effort.
Documentation & Process
As I’ve moved deeper into adulthood and my career, I’ve developed a stronger appreciation for the process. I used to beat myself up over how many projects I started but never finished. Over time, I’ve come to believe that it’s not always about completing things — there’s value in simply enjoying the journey.
Documenting the process helps me track how much time I’ve invested in a hobby, and it can also motivate me to return to ideas that might otherwise be lost.