Today, Instagram has over 1 billion monthly active users and is the fourth most popular social networking site in the world. But what is it about Instagram that makes it so addictive?
Instagram's introduction of filters in 2010 marked a significant shift in the way people viewed and used their personal photos. Before filters, taking photos was primarily about capturing memories that we would share only with our close friends and family, but filters allowed people to transform their photos into works of art, expressing their creativity and imagination.
Filters gave people the power to alter the reality of their photos and create their own personal brand through the images they shared. It allowed people to curate their online image, and as a result, their sense of self became intertwined with their online persona.
By also giving people the ability to catalogue their art, Instagram further enabled this transformation of reality. The platform became a tool for people to morph their perception of their own lives, their sense of self, and their place in society. People could now create a narrative of their lives through the images they shared, and these narratives were often carefully crafted to present a specific image to their followers.
As a result, filters became more than just a tool for enhancing photos; they became a vehicle for self-expression and self-promotion. Filters may seem like a simple feature on a social media platform, but they have had a profound impact on how we see ourselves and others. They have transformed the way we curate our lives and our online presence, and as a result, they have fundamentally changed the way we interact with the world.
Furthermore, with filters and curated feeds opening the door to a way that we could alter and improve our reality, Instagram has made it normal for us to now live our lives through a camera, sharing photos and videos of our food, faces, and interests in hopes of building a personal brand. However, this has led to a complex and dependent relationship with our phones, where we seek digital validation through likes and arbitrary rewards.
The pressure for young people to now post only the best photos and videos has created a modern obsession with perfectionism. We fail to realise that the relationships these apps have caused can lead to a negative impact on our mental health.
Social media has become a celebrity-making machine, with more Insta-made celebrities than the New York Times has subscribers. Brands and businesses now design their spaces, products, and marketing strategies with influencers primarily in mind, creating a modern pressure to become famous and successful through social media.
However, this pressure has led to the social comparison theory spiralling out of control, where social proofing has become a key status indicator of who we should aspire to look like, act like, and live like. Social media influencers have become a primary reference point for trust when making a purchase decision, and we now even use brands to represent our sense of self.
The power of Instagram and social media cannot be denied. It has fundamentally changed how we perceive reality, our sense of self, and our place in society. However, while Instagram does have its downsides, it also has positive aspects. Instagram allows us to connect with people all over the world, discover new interests, and be inspired by others. It provides a platform for small businesses and artists to showcase their work to a wider audience, and it has created opportunities for people to earn a living through content creation and influence.
However, it's crucial to acknowledge the negative impact of Instagram and social media on mental health. It has led to feelings of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem, especially in young people who are still developing their sense of self.
To combat these negative effects, it's important to use Instagram and social media mindfully. This means being aware of how much time we spend on these platforms, limiting our exposure to negative content, and focusing on building and seeking depth in our real-life relationships and experiences rather than seeking validation online.
Moreover, Instagram and social media companies can certainly do more to help users use their platforms more responsibly. They can promote positive content, provide resources for users struggling with mental health issues, and reduce the pressure to present an image of perfection.
In conclusion, while Instagram and social media have become a significant part of our lives, it's important to use them mindfully and acknowledge their potential negative impact. By doing so, we can enjoy the positive aspects of these platforms while prioritising our mental health and well-being.
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