instagram

The song 'instagram' by South Korean artist Dean delves into the feelings of isolation and dissatisfaction that can arise from social media usage, particularly on the platform Instagram. The lyrics express a sense of loneliness and the struggle to find genuine connection in a world where online personas often mask reality. Dean reflects on the endless scrolling through feeds filled with seemingly perfect lives, which exacerbates his own feelings of inadequacy and disconnection. Despite knowing that tomorrow will come, he finds himself unable to put his phone down, trapped in the cycle of seeking validation and comparing himself to others on the platform.

The song also touches on the paradox of the information age, where having access to more knowledge and connections can sometimes lead to greater discomfort and unhappiness. Dean mentions the bombardment of information and the constant updates on people's lives, which make his own life feel more complicated and difficult to navigate. The artist conveys a sense of drowning in a 'square ocean'—a metaphor for the confines of the Instagram feed—where his own emotional void cannot be filled by the superficial interactions and content he encounters.

Lastly, 'instagram' highlights the contrast between the curated images people present online and the hidden, authentic emotions they may be experiencing. Dean acknowledges the futility in posting pictures that don't reflect his true feelings, recognizing that no one truly understands the sadness concealed behind them. The song is a poignant commentary on the modern struggle to find meaning and connection in a digital world that often prioritizes appearance over substance.