I used to believe everything on instagram and believed that the pictures I saw were real people, but eventually I learned that people use editing. The newer phones make pictures pretty and you want to post and share some of your life with your friends. I think that people want others to notice what is happening in their life. Some times, what you post online isn't the same thing as how your life is actually in reality, which is why instagram can effect you. Everyone, every now and then, needs to shut out from instagram for a little while. Instagram sometimes makes you wish you looked different and makes you insecure about yourself. If you use instagram and believe anything and everything that is posted, you need to have a break and look at the real world. If you start using instagram at a younger age, you need to be aware that not everything is real, a lot of instagram is editing.
1
Instagram can be an alternative way to meet people, learn new things, and communicate with people you don’t see every day. It can also be a way for people to become narcissists.
Studies have shown that recently, the amount of narcissists has increased very quickly (Firestone, Lisa. “Is Social Media to Blame For the Rise In Narcissism?” Psychology Today, Sussex Publishers). This can be linked to the development of social media. You have to admit, it makes sense. Social media is a place where you show off your best life. It provides instant validation every time somebody likes your post. If that doesn’t boost your ego, what can?
Although Instagram is one of the most popular social media for teens, it isn’t just Instagram users who have been affected by this surge of narcissism. According to Psychology Today, “people who score higher on the Narcissistic Personality Inventory questionnaire tend to have more friends on Facebook” And according to The Conversation, “Time magazine named “You” the person of the year in 2006, and even included a mirror and computer on the cover.” (Campbell, W. Keith. “Is Social Media Turning People into Narcissists?” The Conversation, The Conversation, 18 Oct. 2016) This was four years before Instagram was created.
Instagram isn’t the first platform to nurse narcissism, but it is the most recent, and it affects teens much more than Facebook. I suppose the real question is if everyone is a narcissist, does it matter anymore?
When doing something exciting, one of the main things people tend to think about is capturing the moment. Once it is captured, the only thing left to do is show and tell everyone. We love the likes, the comments, the views, and sometimes even the hate. Instagram hasn’t also been that way. It changed, “As cameras improved in smartphones, so did users’ desire to share their photos”, said Victor (Schulten, 2018, para.5). What people need to realize is it is just an app. Things aren’t always what they seem. According to Daniel Victor, “Critics say Instagram offers a carefully staged version of everyone’s best life” (Schulten, 2018, para.6). Just try and have fun with the app and be careful what you post because you never know how something might backfire on you. I am now more cautious about what I put out there on Instagram.
I use Instagram to entertain myself in times of boredom by watching funny videos or looking at pictures. I never posted pictures even in the early days of Instagram I would just look at funny stuff. I believe for celebrities, companies, and influencers Instagram is very “central to their public image.” As for me I don’t need Instagram to make myself look cool or conform to social norms I do that just by hanging out with you. I like how I can always find some entertaining stuff to watch on my down time but I’ve never felt the need to conform to or had feelings of envy to famous/successful people on Instagram. If you are joining Instagram today as a younger teen just entering the realm of social media I would say you need to understand the people that you see posting their wealth or image are not things you need to try to live up to as a 11 year old. Also have confidence in yourself in real life, don’t build your confidence off of how people view you on the internet.
My Instagram tendencies have changed over time. I first got Instagram when I was in the 3rd grade. I remember how in awe I was when my friend showed me the app. At first, Instagram was a place where my elementary self could share goofy pictures and videos with my friends. But as I reached middle school I started to realize that people I followed were no longer posting those silly selfies. Posting unedited, raw, goofy material was no longer funny, in fact, it was quite embarrassing. I think this sudden change in how we view social media has to do with the theory of mind. The theory that not everyone thinks the same as you. This life realization naturally develops as we get older and especially in puberty. After that change hit me I became obsessed with my Instagram presence, and I know this is true for many of my peers. I have recently come to the realization that Instagram does not matter. No one cares how many followers you have, or how many likes you because those numbers do not define you. I personally think that it is cooler to be able to see who a person truly is through their profile, not the person they are trying to be. Now I only post pictures that make me happy, and I find that very freeing. No more highly edited, airbrushed pics like what I used to post. I feel it is important that we look at Instagram and other social media platforms as a place where we can be ourselves, not where we pretend to be someone we are not.
I don’t tend to be a person to use Instagram because I think that there is too much conflict due to the ‘fakeness’ surrounding the platform. I think it was so much more ‘real’ when it started out because no one was putting on a façade, they were just sharing the little things in life. Now celebrities use the platform to show the highlights of their life, not showing what happens behind the scenes that makes their lives not so glamourous. They may use it for something negative, usually when debunking or confirming rumors surrounding them, or stirring up trouble from feuds with other celebrities. Teenagers use it in a similar way, their best moments highlighted and their issues exploited. I don’t think that Instagram has a significant impact on my life because I no longer use it, however sometimes people include me in the things that are discussed on the app which may impact me. When I did have Instagram, it did influence me, because it made me feel like I didn’t stack up to what was being portrayed by other people. I think people who are just starting to use the app should remember that not everything on there is real, there are many things that are staged, so you shouldn’t let it determine what your outlook on life is.
Personally, I feel that Instagram is not central to my own public image. This social media app highlights the high points of everyone’s lives, and it rarely shows the struggles that most individuals go through. As a result, this app can lead to its users feeling envious, a need of approval, and tired with maintaining their online personality. As a user of Instagram, I do get these feelings often. These feelings give me the wanting to post pictures when I’m hanging out with my friends, on vacation, or when I’ve succeeded at something. Overall, I believe that Instagram is forming unhealthy habits among its users, and that we should spend some time away from the app to keep our sanity.
My thoughts about this article "What Role Does Instagram Play in Your Life?" are that what its saying i agree with. Why? well because Instagram wasn't really popular app and when smartphones started to improve people started to share there events and special things going on in there life. Although social media not just Instagram started to cause problems and bullying and many other . For me i like to use Instagram to keep up with family. Instagram isn't a bad app people make it a bad app.
1
I tend to use Instagram to post pictures and text my friends because I get bored and then I can just go and text my friends if I don't have time on my phone or if I don't have their numbers. My relationship with Instagram has slowly died because it keeps lagging and won't load fast enough. What I like about Instagram is that I am able to see how my friends are doing and if they moved then I would be able to text them. When I get mad at Instagram, I stay off of it for the rest of the day and go to Snap chat, Facebook, kik, messenger, or one of my games on my phone.
I tend to use Instagram to see what my friends are doing and to message them. I also use Instagram to video chat with my friends. I don't feel like I have to take a break from Instagram. Some advice that I would give to younger viewers is to think before you post. Always be nice and positive don't be mean or hateful.
@Katelyn
I agree on what you are speaking on because alot of people need to think before they post because alot of young people dont think before they post and get into problems.
I use Instagram to talk to my friends sometimes but I usually don't get on it. Somethings I use Instagram for is talking to my friends and see what people are doing. I do feel like I need to take a break from Instagram. Some advice I have for younger people that are using the app is be nice and stay positive on there because there is some people that are negative and hateful on there.
I have an Instagram account but I hardly post anything, I normally use it to see what’s going on in the world and what my friends are up to. I would say that Instagram is not central to my public image because I have not posted a picture in over 3 years. My Instagram persona includes me looking for updates in the worlds of sports and general news.
I use Instagram to post my memories so when I get older I can look back. I use instagram to follow my friends and watch how they are doing. Also to track how my life is going. Instagram is definitely my favorite app on my phone. I love taking pictures and looking at pictures, I also follow a lot of photography pages that I love. I follow funny pages to get a daily laugh. My advice for younger people is be smart and don't post things you wouldn't want everyone to see.
I don't use Instagram very much but when I do to see what my friends are up to. Also I use it to talk to people if I don't have their number. Although I don't use Instagram that much the cool thing is a lot of celebrates use this app to reach out to their fans and show their fans what they are working on. I also use it to get information about school activities. It is just a good app to see what everyone is doing and what people have accomplished.
I use Instagram mostly just to look at videos and what my friend post. My relationship with the app changed the older I got cause now I don't post pictures a lot. One thing that I like about the app is that it is another way to easily communicate with others and meet new people. I haven't experienced any negative emotions due to the app and even if I did I don't let that stuff impact me. I never took a "break" from Instagram but sometimes if I am on the app for a long period of time I get tired of seeing the same thing and I just take a break until the next day. Some advice that I would give to younger people is to not care what others say to you over the app because they are probably saying it through the app because they don't want to say it to your face or are too scared to. Also, don't try to impress people because that will just make you look bad.
I tend to use Instagram by just uploading artsy pictures but I don’t really use it. The app never really interested me and my relationship with the app hasn’t changed over time, it is still the same. I would say Instagram is not “central to your public image” for normal people like me but I would say it is for celebrities because they mainly use it to share most of their moments in their life. I don’t really use Instagram so my persona is really basic and just has a couple of pictures of me. What I like about the app is the amount of people who use it and literally like every picture is on there. I have never felt any of the negative emotions described in this article and I definitely don’t need a break from Instagram since I barely use the app anyways.
I have used Instagram since I was in middle school and ever since then the app has grown a lot and has became better and better throughout the years! My favorite thing about Instagram is that you can post whatever you want and there are accounts to browse simply just for entertainment. I use Instagram everyday and I don't plan on not using it anytime soon. I use Instagram more to browse through my feed than to post. For me, using Instagram is more often a distraction from the task at hand, usually my homework. My relationship with the app has changed since I first made an account. While I used to feel a pressure to post, I no longer do. I used to not be as busy as I am now, with school, work, and sports, so I spent more time on the app. At this point in time, I was so invested with keeping up with others' feeds that a few times I felt jealous when blank when on vacation, or when blank did this with friends because I didn't get to do that or post about anything fun.
Instagram plays a big role in my life because I like to go on it and look at all the funny memes and see what my friends are up to. I go on Instagram so many times a day because I get really bored and like to see what everybody is doing. I love all the funny memes on Instagram because there funny and creative. I hardly ever post because I don't really have anything to post, plus I just like to go on and see what everybody else is doing. I really like Instagram and i hope they don't change it.
I joined Instagram in about 6th grade and am now a senior. Instagram is good for keeping up with friends and family especially the ones you don't see very often. You are able to express how you feel in your own way, and are able to see how other teens are doing/going through life almost. With me when I first got Instagram I had posted multiple pictures a week, but now I barely post five times a year. Most of the time I feel like Instagram is more of staged pictures that are never as close to how a person truly is, they just are staged for those who don't know them. Although some may say that social media sites can hurt and scar others who aren't affected greatly by what others may say or do to them.
I first started using instagram in the 7th grade, the time where everyone loved the iconic app icon and when there was no such thing as IG Stories(aka Snapchat knock-off). The role that IG has on my life is show who I, Stedman, am by expressing my thoughts and ideas. My using my finsta(fake IG account), it allows me to be free and not worry about anyone who will try to bring me down because I'm just doing me.
I tend to use Instagram when I have spare time or just bored in general. It is great to kill time usually, I like watching funny videos in the app. Over the time Instagram has gotten better adding more features like stickers when you take a picture, live videos, etc. I use the app more than I did before in middle school because I didn't feel like the app had any point back then most of my friends used Facebook or Snap chat. Instagram is not central to my public image because even tho it's nice when you get a lot of pictures what is on my Instagram doesn't really define who I am. I find that i'm the type of Instagram person that doesn't really post much. Overall the app isn't that bad but i only get on it when I seriously have nothing to do.
I tend to use Instagram for pictures, I do not use the story or messenger feature. I like to post pictures of activities and friends. My relationship with the app has never changed, it has always been a social media app to post pictures on and I enjoy it because it is easier to use then Facebook was. I think my Instagram persona is out of date, I haven't used many of the new features but I should start to. I like the control you have over your account and how it is easy to block and/or remove people. I do not feel a crushing need of approval because it is just pictures you choose to post. I have never taken a "break" from Instagram because i have never felt the need to. For a younger individual it might not be a good idea to have a public account at first because that way anyone can follow you, I'd suggest having a private account.
I use Instagram so many times a day because I love the app. I tend to use Instagram in my free time and just look on the explore page for fun. As I have gotten older I have started to like the app more because I have understood that it is a way for people to express themselves and for me to do the same. What I like about the app is that you can post pictures about anything and just show everybody what you are doing. I really have not had any bad experiences with Instagram because it is such a good and fun app. Although, yes sometimes I do feel like I need to take a break from Instagram because I could be going through a rough time in life and I don't need to be on Instagram. My advice for younger people would be don't post anything now, that you will regret later in life. Anything you post, even if you delete it, will be on the internet for ever!
I have had an Instagram for a while now, and it is pretty nice to have, I like to keep up with people, and talk to people. It's really just more social media. I like to put my thoughts out there. It's really no different than any other social media account, (other then the obvious differences) like Snapchat or Facebook. You can see what's going on, and you are never behind or out of the loop, I guess.
I’m not that big of an Instagram user, I usually just look at videos that my friends share with me or I come across. I have stayed the same for the span that I have been using the app. Instagram for me isn’t a necessity every 10 minutes or anything. I just browse for a couple minutes then get off for a while. I like how innovative Instagram is. For me Instagram doesn’t really bother me at all, because I portion out how often I use the app. Some advice to younger folks starting to use Instagram would be to just enjoy the social arena, followers aren’t everything, and it is all about the social gatherings with your friends.
I have had Instagram since seventh grade, And when I have free time I get on Instagram and share my thoughts.
I use Instagram more to browse through my feed than to post. For me, using Instagram is more often a distraction from the task at hand, usually my homework. My relationship with the app has changed since I first made an account. While I used to feel a pressure to post, I no longer do. I usually post like 1 picture a month but some girls will post up to like 15 pictures a month. Instagram is Polly my most used app that i go on out of all the social media. It's a good app for people to express how they are feeling or show the fun stuff that they are out doing in the world. If you are just starting to use instagram make sure to post a lot of pictures so people can see who you are.
I first got an Instagram when I was around 10 I believe and have had one ever since. Instagram has always been just something I used for entertainment. I just use it to see what my friends, family, and favorite celebrities are doing. For me, I don't take it seriously and it is just a bit of fun but for some people Instagram can be dangerous. When some people use Instagram they start to feel bad about themselves because they compare themselves to others or get sad when they don't get enough likes. I think the trick is to realize that it is just social media and it is not at all serious.
Instagram doesn't play that big of a roll in my life. I've had my current Instagram since eight grade. I use it mostly to stay caught up with my friends.We send each other memes and vines we think are funny. I post my photograph on Instagram and that's all I post really. My advice to new users is watch what you post because you never know who's watching. Also for gods sake stop posting about your depression and your drama. no. one. cares.
I have not, do not, and most likely will not use Instagram. I am not a big fan of that sort of social media in general. The application has nothing to do with my central image and I have no persona on it. I like that it is less strict than other social media, I have not experienced anything that the article described and I constantly feel a need to not use the application. My advice for using the app? Don’t, unless if you are desperate for memes, in that case, just get a few Discord channels.
I've had insta for a very long time. Since I was 10 or 11. My advice to younger kids is to wait a little longer too get it because you post a lot of annoying things. Also you get judged for what you post on that. I don't ever feel the need to post or be perfect on it because I don't really care. I'm not on the app a lot because I have better things to do.
I use instagram to keep up with people and their lives. My relationship has changed with instagram because I’m not on it as much as I used to be. I suppose I could say that instagram is kind of central to my public image. I post stuff that has happened powderpuff, my senior pictures. I like how I can keep up to date with people. I have never had a negative impact on instagram, I stay away from that stuff. Advice to new people using the app, post appropriate stuff and express yourself.
I use Instagram about almost everyday. I wouldn't say I am addicted, but I do enjoy spending time on the app. I just it interesting to see what others share. The amount of followers does not matter to me because there I like people following me that I know. Many people worry about how many followers they have because the more they have the more popular they seem. For me, that is not the case. I never feel the need to take a break from Instagram. There is rarely anything negative on it. That is why I prefer it over Twitter. My advice to younger people is do not worry about how many likes or followers you have because it really doesn't matter.
Instagram is my most used social media website. I use it to talk to people, see what people are up to and to post what is going on in my life. I also like to just lay back and scroll through funny memes. I don’t like that some people only use instagram to get attention and start arguments in the comments. I would tell the younger children to be careful about what they post and to only post something not more than once a day it will start getting annoying when you post more than one picture a day.
I use Instagram to watch funny videos, see what my friends are doing and just to have fun. No I would not call instagram central to my public image. I really like how I can see what my friends have to say or what they have been up to. I also enjoy looking at funny videos and conspiracy theories. I have not had any issues with negative activity such as bullying. I don't believe I need a break from it because I only use it for an hour a day total. The advice I would give to younger people is to be safe with who you let follow you.
I tend to use instagram everyday. I don’t post as much as other people that are on instagram but i do put add photos. But i only rarely add photos, and if i do it is usually a picture of two with me hanging out with my friends, and I use it to communicate with other people. I use to use instagram all of the time but lately I haven't used it as much. I don’t really ever feel like I need to take a break from instagram because it doesn’t really affect me like it might for other people. And advice I give to younger children that are just starting to use this app is to not post about everything that happens in your life, and don’t post everyday/ keep your negative comments to yourself.
I usually use instagram as a way to entertain myself when I am bored or if I am sharing funny things with my friends. I think that instagram is a way to show the public what you like and what you do in life, and it can be entertaining to many people. Since I love traveling, having a good time with my family, and being with my girlfriend, my instagram has many pictures of that and it really describes who I am. I really enjoy the app because, like I said, I find many funny images that me and my friends like to enjoy together. I have noticed negative things though like people will post about being upset or things along those lines. I do feel the need to take a break sometimes because I can be on it too long sometimes and get bored. For younger people, I recommend staying away from trying to get attention from people and only post things that you feel you love and enjoy in life.
The reason I chose to comment on this article is because I actually escaped Instagram. I made an account about a year ago and rose to semi-fame with my Rubik's Cube solving. Whenever I got bored, I would scroll through to see what was happening. That was where realized how big of a waste of time it was. I later quit.
Instagram was never central to my public image and if I used it, I feel like it would ruin my public image. My Instagram persona was mysterious because I never revealed anything nor did I post any opinions.
I never experienced the described emotions because I for one: Wasnt on the app for too long, and two: separated myself from the unhealthy lifestyles my school peers were going through.
I don't like anything about the app. It is hurting academics, hurting children, and hurting our future. I left, and that is the only break I need.
My advice is simple
1. Don't get too into it.
2. Never stay on for more than 15 minutes at a time.
3. Don't be a nuisance to others.
I have used Instagram since 6th grade and have enjoyed it thoroughly. Between expressing my own ideas and hearing others, it provides a great platform to learn about what is going on around you. I understand why people believe it is almost like "false advertisement" of one's life, but let's be honest. Who wants to hear about other people's drab, everyday lives? Most people would much rather hear about the exciting, new thing you are doing that you are proud of and would like to share. It is perfect for everyone to express their opinions and to learn other's, and it is a good way to share cool things that you are proud of, so what's the fuss? Overall, the good definitely outweighs the bad.
I like going on Instagram to see what's going on in the communities of what I like. For example I like parkour and freerunning and I like to see what people are doing, what's the next big trick. I also like see new memes. I think I'll be on Instagram for a while or at least as all the people I like to follow are still on Instagram.
Are you on the app, if so how do you tend to use it?
With the fact that sometimes social media can be difficult and can lead to dangerous and hurtful things. It also is getting up to date with friends and the news. I am one of the millions of people who use this app. There are many purposes of using this app and how I use it. For example, when i am boared i go through the fed to give me something to do. To get caught up with everything. I post pictures to show whats going on with me and my background. There is also a factor of the DM'S. I have been currently using them due to me not having Snapchat for a while, I would still be able to talk to people and see what they are up too. You can also share posts with peopl, most peopel including me follow random accounts that have humor or memes to make you laugh. If I see one that makes me laugh or think my friends might like it I can senf it too them through the DM'S. I also can save them through my account by being able to save it to a file. That way I can also see them for a laugh. For me I have multiple accounts with this app. Including my main, spam, and closet account. My main account is used for sharing the good pictures to poeple I know, the spam is to express my feelings to closet friends, and my closet is to post pictures of my clothes, shoes, jewelry, and other things too sell. With all of these reasons and explanations of the app. This is why I am using instagram!!
I look at memes on Instagram, so that kind of answers all the other questions. I like looking at memes on it obviously it isn't central to my public image if all i do is look at memes. Advice for younger kids just don't do dumb things, and don't let it get to you.
@Killian I as well like do look at the memes. I also do it to look at athletes pages. I agree as long as you don't do any destructive things then I don't see a problem being a Instagram for a while.
I like Instagram but I don’t see it necessary, because you can see videos and posts in other apps and talk with other people in whatsapp. I think most people use Instagram to know other people opinion about them and to have more followers than your friends or family.
@Javier I totally agree, I don't really use Instagram because of other apps that you are able to do so many other things rather than just posting pictures. Instagram was never that important to me because of the other apps I would use more. For the most part I also believe that is the reason why people use Instagram, I also think a majority of people use Instagram to keep up with celebrities. I think the reason why it is so popular is because of the celebrities who post on it like everyday and it's most of them too. I don't really use it but I do post on it like once a year because I also don't think it is necessary.
As much as I enjoy using instagram on a regular basis, I could not say that it is central to my public image. At most I post maybe 2 pictures every year, so my instagram doesn’t really capture who I am as a person. All of my pictures on instagram are staged pictures of myself so my instagram isn’t really the me you would see on a regular day, and doesn’t usually indicate what’s currently going on in my life. However, a lot of my friends do use instagram frequently so I use it as a way to follow the lives of friends I don’t talk to very often.
I use Instagram more to browse through my feed than to post. For me, using Instagram is more often a distraction from the task at hand, usually my homework. My relationship with the app has changed since I first made an account. While I used to feel a pressure to post, I no longer do. I used to not be as busy as I am now, with school, work, and sports, so I spent more time on the app. At this point in time, I was so invested with keeping up with others' feeds that a few times I felt jealous when blank when on vacation, or when blank did this with friends. Instagram generates feelings like these, since so many structure their life around getting the perfect picture, posting at a specific time to get likes, or finding the best caption. It's important to evaluate how much time you spend on social media and to realize that your Instagram feed isn't accurately documenting peoples' lifestyles. I've realized how much Instagram can take over your life, how seizing any moment to take a picture, or "doing it for the insta" actually hinders from your personal experiences. I use Instagram to keep up with some celebrities and friends or family that live far away. Instagram offers a very appealing convenience, which is being able to open up the app and within seconds find funny memes, satisfying videos, or anything you want to see, within reach thanks to the search bar.
Instagram for me is just another app. I use it most often just as a time-killer or to talk to my friends in group chats. I don't post very often, and don't really care too much about that aspect of the app. However, I still use it almost every day, and probably have spent way too much time on it over the past couple of years. Overall, it's not my favorite app, and its not an app that I need to use all the time, but it an enjoyable thing to do to take up time.
I use Instagram to keep up with friends, family, celebrities, and what is trending in the world. I have been a user of Instagram for 4 years and have changed a lot in that amount of time personally. I am now in high school and I post whenever I am out or doing something fun with friends. Instagram lets me show people who aren't with me what I am doing and it also lets me show the world what I am like as a person without saying physical words. In the past, you could just post whatever you wanted to Instagram and get likes because social media wasn't that big of a thing. Now in todays world, you have to take a ton of pictures just to get the best one, come up with a smart caption and post it at a certain time to get the maximum number of likes you want, and even then you aren't satisfied. Instagram has changed in a way of not showing our followers what we are doing but in the moment but the highlight of that moment to make it seem more important
as an Instagram worthy post than it actually was. People today have expressed themselves more and more through social media and Instagram is just another outlet for expression just like the rest.
I tend to use Instagram when I have spare time or just bored in general. It is a great time killer for me and usually, I like watching funny videos in the app. Over the time Instagram has gotten better adding more features like stickers when you take a picture, live videos, etc. I use the app more than I did before in middle school because I didn't feel like the app had any point back then most of my friends used Facebook or snapchat. Instagram is not central to my public image because even tho it's nice when you get a lot of pictures what is on my instagram doesnt really define who I am. I find that im the type of instagram person that doesnt really post much.
Personally, Instagram is the way I can keep up with and see pictures of family that lives far away. It is also a way to connect with people using pictures and videos. I personally have not experienced much of the negative emotions of the app but I have seen firsthand the effects on some of my peers. I see people getting so caught up with the amount of likes they get or the amount of comments a certain post got and how many followers their account has and I have even seen my friends delete posts due to lack of likes or comments. I agree with the author when it is mentioned that Instagram is where people post a carefully staged version of their best life because not many people post their flaws or their issues in life, instead they post pictures where they look "perfect" even though they are far from it. It is basically encouraging people to be fake and not show the true them, which I am guilty of as well.
I’ve been using instagram since May 2013 and I can assure you that there hasn’t been a single day where I didn’t use it. Over the years Instagram has added features that i absolutely love, but then they have also added features that i didn’t like so much. Instagram has many uses to it. I use it to send my cousins and my friends pictures that can make us both laugh. Other times I use it to make others laugh with the things I post. I also use it to post whatever it is that i’m up to and to see what other people are up to. And you can pretty much follow anything and everyone, including all your favorite stores to see the new clothes they have this season or to see what your favorite celebrities are up to. Instagram also allows you to let people see you how you want to be seen or portrayed, just like all other forms of social media does.
I have had an Instagram account since I was in 4th grade. I am now in 11th grade, and my relationship with the app currently, has changed dramatically. Using the app today, I use it to see what friends, family and celebrities are up to in their daily lives. I enjoy connecting with those I don’t see everyday. Although I believe that Instagram is basically a cool way to brag about moments in your life. When you think about it, people using instagram only post the good things. The things worth sharing. The things that will get likes. I believe my usage of the app has changed over the years. When I post a picture, sadly, it’s all about the likes I receive. I wish I cared less about this factor, but me along with a lot of my friends do. Many people in society today, I feel get so wrapped up instagram. The lighting has to be perfect, the caption has to be good, your feed has to flow nicely, and you receive x amount of likes and y amount of comments. Although I may speak so negatively of the app, I will continue to use it.
Personally, Instagram is one of my favorite apps and i'll tell you why. Instagram is an application that allows you to connect with people in your area and all around the world. I use Instagram to stay connected with my friends and family. They post nice pictures, i like them and sometimes even comment something under. I also use it to find the latest fashion and beauty trends, to see what my favorite celebrities are up to, find funny videos etc. I use the app almost every day. I feel it's a great way to stay connected to your world in the comfort of your home. That even if you're inside, your mind feels somewhere else.
Overall, I enjoy using Instagram. I like to know what is going on, not in a nosy way but an interested way. It helps me keep in touch with those who don't live near me and I don't get to see them except for social media. I also think it's fun to share some of your cool experiences with others. I understand what the author means by the "crushing need for approval." It applies to many users, even if they don't admit it. If using Instagram does leave a negative effect on you, then I would recommend taking a break for however long you need. I have never taken a break but it is nice whenever I go to camp for a week and don't have a phone because I'm there to have fun and live in the moment, not be on social media and do things based off what people will think. Instagram can be an uplifting app if you choose for it to be. You just have to look at all the good aspects of it.
I usually only use Instagram to check my direct messages or when I'm bored I would scroll through my feed or through search. When I was younger I would always post something that was just weird, but now I only have one post and I don't even want it there anymore. Instagram has been a way for me to keep in touch with my friends from Clarksville and others from my old high school. My "relationship" with the app has definitely changed over the years, and I don't care all that much for it. The app is alright though but I just have the need to be on it 24/7...
I used to love Instagram. I would be on it for 2 - 3 hours a day. But in all honesty it gets exhausting after a while. Though it seems like an app where you can share photos of your life, its more a place to receive validation for your life.
Whether you mean for it to or not, notifications popping up on your phone after you post mean that you keep checking the app to see how many likes and comments you have. Because its such a defined value (unlike real life where things are less binary), it’s an easy way to measure your self worth. My last post got 200 likes but the one before that got 250 - are people starting to hate me?
Moreover by using Instagram Stories, your posts will get more reach, causing you to spend more time on the app. In addition, especially as a girl, if you’re friends with someone you need to comment something (with emojis of course!) on almost every one of their photos. Even if you want to skip this, it starts to feel a bit rude if they’re commenting on your photos and you aren’t doing the same back. There’s a lot of ettiquite to it without much reward.
Yes, it helps you connect with your friends, but so does a simple text message.
2
Instagram is an app used by who wants to share one's lifes. Commonly, I do not use any kind of app like this because I guess I do not need to put my life out. I completely agree with the article when he says Instagram can be consider a way where people want to show only the happy facts trying to seem that your life is good. However, I cannot deny that Instagram is a technology and it is around us but I think we can use this stuff to put closer the people e build strong relationships.
I use instagram as a daily social media app, that is meant to catch up on everything that is happening in my, and my friends worlds. Instagram is absolutely central to my public image, I am represented, to most of the people who don't really know me, first by my instagram and what I look like, who I hang out with, and what I am in to. I feel my instagram persona is very mellow. I don't post a lot and when i do it is usually very meaningful. I like that on instagram you can have basically all of the good parts about social media at once. You can catch up with everything in you're world with just a click of the app. I never have a crushing need for approval, yes i may look at how many people liked my photo, but that very seldom means anything to me. This need for approval is only felt by people who want to be in the spotlight. Advice for younger people may include following accounts you like for any reason. You're feed is specifically for you, you made it.
I thought it was interesting reading about why Instagram tends to seem a more positive form of social media than, say, Twitter. When we show pictures we tend to do so of things that are pleasant, productive or joyful. I find myself far less stressed out when I scroll through Instagram than I do on Twitter. It's less political and more personal. It is far less likely to get my blood pressure up. I find good tips from people in circles I travel in in my life, both professionally and personally. When we submit a picture we lots of times just let it speak for itself - that is nice in a really noisy world that can seem full of negativity and vitriol.
After reading the article I've now realized how much time I have spend on this app. When ever I'm bored I just scroll through Instagram and catch up on what my friends are doing and the latest viral videos out.
I would say that Instagram is not central to my public image because I have not posted a picture in over 3 years. My Instagram persona includes me looking for updates in the worlds of sports and general news.
I would say that Instagram used to play a big role in my social life because everyone around me, family and friends, were also on it. In middle school, there were certain "rules" that you had to follow when using the app to be socially acceptable such as only posting one picture per day, having a cool caption, and having the most followers. For me, as I have gotten into high school, I have disregarded these rules. I also use the app less because I have less free time to go on my phone. On the app, I love how you can keep in touch with family members or friends who you might not get to see a lot. I believe that this app, although it can be helpful, should be a less involved part of people's lives because the social aspect of being cyberbullied or feeling left out of events within friend groups is hurtful to many.
I use instagrams for so many things. It is not to seek attention, approval, or a date. My favorite thing about Instagram is its comedic value. It shares hundreds of funny things that people say, that I then share with my friends. It also allows me to stay in touch with the people I look up to, like celebrities. It is so stupid but I like that I can see what Timothee Chalamet is eating for breakfast or what Ice Cube misses about the 90's. Some worry that constantly staring at other peoples "amazing" lives will make you feel self-conscious, lonely, or unfulfilled. Luckily I have never felt this way. Back in middle school everyone felt that they needed to share everything that they were doing. Everytime they were with their friends, drank a smoothie, or saw a movie. I have learned over the years that not everyone needs to see what I am doing. I don't need to "brag" about my life because who does that help? Many around me are still figuring this out, but once everyone does, Instagram will be a very different place.
Honestly, I like instagram. I think it is a more efficient snapchat. It gives you a glimpse into peoples lives and shows the highlights not the full story. I think it gives people publicity and privacy at the same time and allows for fun times to be shared.
I use instagram to share my favorite photos, of myself, of others, and of just scenery. Since instagram started to organize photos by engagement rather than chronologically, I definitely noticed myself backing off a bit, but I do still post and scroll through my feed just not as often. When I was younger I definitely tried posting what I thought my friends would like, or what would get the most likes. Now however, I post what I like and what I feel shows others who I am as a person. So I feel like my personality is represented by my page. Overall, I would tell younger kids to use it for them and not for others, since Ive started posting for myself more so than for my followers, i've had a lot of fun!
I think Instagram is just taking up space on my phone. I used to use it everyday for a total of 1-2 hours , but now i hardly go onto the app. I stopped using Instagram because just like every other app, I got board. I like looking at the Sports pages but other then that I find myself closing out of the app. The only thing I like about Instagram is the news aspect of it, its just another way for me to check out whats going on in the world of sports or just what my friends are doing.
After reading the article, What Role Does Instagram Play in Your Life?, I think Instagram is taking over my life. I didn't use it much a couple years ago, but now I communicate with all my friends through it. It is to the point where I am on Instagram for at least 2 hours a day. I also get caught up in the social media web, thinking the number of likes on a photo defines me. I find myself making goals for every picture I post. For example, if I get 200 likes on the last picture I post, I just have to get at least 230 on the next. If I don't meet my goal, I take the photo down. Sometimes I even will edit a photo to make me look better. Now, I feel like I need to make a change. The number of likes, how good you look in a picture, how many followers you have, and how many comments you get does not define you as a person. You are perfect the way you are, no matter if the picture gets one like or one thousand. In conclusion, I think that everyone should not pay as much attention to social media as they do.
After reading the article, "What Role Does Instagram Play in Your Life?" I believe that Instagram is a main part of my social life. My Instagram, @henry_hyneman, persona is nothing, I only have one post and it was about a year and a half ago. The main thing I do on Instagram is browse and like other's posts. For new people on the app my advice is not to post at all, because then posting becomes a habit. Overall Instagram is a main part of my daily routine.
After reading the article, "What Role Does Instagram Play in Your Life?" I think that Instagram is a good way to communicate with people in different places, in different times, and share pictures. Even though I do use Instagram to stay connection with friends and family that live in different places, I can't deny that I have been sucked into the endless world of Instagram aesthetic and have gotten jealous. The green monster of envy always shows up when I see someone at the beach, for example. I've never been and I feel like it would be an outstanding experience. I guess what I am trying to say is even though INstagram is a good way to communicate with people in different places it is also agood way to find the want of approval or self deprivationof wanting approval.