What does it actually mean to blog nowadays? And more relevant to the majority of us, what does it mean to “follow” a blogger?

I had been reluctant to join the insta world for the past few years because I had felt I couldn’t even keep up with all the other social media apps I use. As predicted, I was a bit overwhelmed when I finally started using it, after caving in and making an account a few months back. I found myself investing more time in mindlessly scrolling, even more than usual. Instagram seems to be over-saturated with bloggers of every type: mum bloggers, beauty bloggers, travel bloggers, foodies, couples, you name it. From every corner of the world. I even discovered a whole new world of bloggers based in Muscat.

(I also thought I would become insta-famous overnight, but obviously now I know a lot better. *facepalm*)

Usually when I discuss blogging with my husband, he finds the word “vlogger” very funny for some reason…so when I proceeded to tell him about all these newly found bloggers on Instagram who blog through posting photos of their everyday experiences, he asked me if they are “phloggers” (his dad jokes are increasing with fatherhood). This actually triggered my over-analytical British self to start wondering…perhaps we are just being “flogged” these captures.

Does that little heart mean I love this picture or does it mean this picture perfect life makes me feel insecure but I will show support anyway to follow the crowd? I honestly can’t get my head around how other mums of toddlers have their make-up, hair, outfit and everything else on point when I struggle to find time to brush my teeth twice a day. Yes, there are some bloggers who shed a more realistic perspective, but even so, how do they find the time to make daily posts and write such long, detailed captions? I do appreciate that for some, this activity is part of their business and livelihood and their dedication is impressive, and a lot of useful information can be found from these sources. But for those of us who use Instagram and the like for leisure – is this really leisure or are we missing out on leisure because of it? Does every experience need to be recorded and shown?

Sometimes I am guilty of complying with the norm and spend an unnecessary amount of time trying to take the perfect shot of a dish when we go out for dinner. All the while, I know DH is just eagerly waiting to dig in, and that this picture will be deleted from my gallery later because the angle and lighting was not right and therefore was not social media worthy, and I will question why I ever took it in the first place. Or sometimes my heart sinks when I am busy scrolling and suddenly realise that my daughter is trying to get my attention to show me something a lot more important than a hashtag, heard-it-before meme or so-called “life hacks” which will never come in use. The other day she was tugging at me when I was distracted on my phone and she actually said to me “Mummy. Go. Play.”. My child is coming out with her first sentence and I am preoccupied with what?! Seriously.

I think there is a fine line between blogging every moment and not living in the moment. And I guess the point of this post, if anything, was to remind myself and others like me out there, to strike a healthy balance between following these stories and living the real story.

So although I appreciate the time you took to read this post, I hope you now put away your phone, find your little one, give them a long cuddle…and cherish the moment.