Instagram is fucking disgusting in many ways
but with regard to powerlifting we can see some insane feats of strength and social media has probably helped push the limits for human performance in some ways. When you see others' do crazy stuff it may make it more possible in your mind as well.
Some oldtimers bemoan IG and say only numbers at real meets matter, but if you compete for ego gratification, and why else would you do it, you'll get a far wider reach and ego stroking through this medium, compared to meets back in the day. Few knew who Ed Coan was back in the day, more people know who Larry Wheels is today. Of course now Ed Coan is on social media too, so he's more well known due to it.
Social media could limit peoples potential too of course if you're thinking about updating your IG constantly and chatting with hos instead of doing the work.

Let's see what happens to Larry over time.