Instagram: Beyond the Post (Part 3)

     Let's take a second to reflect. We've explored how many people use Instagram, and the types of things they post. We've covered a lot, and most of it is negative. Now, it's time to talk about the "Wild Side" of Instagram. A wrap up, in a way. Why people use Instagram in the way they do, mainly teens. There's a reason athletes have more followers than the average user. Popularity isn't just seen in the hallways anymore- it's all over the internet. Many teenage athletes (the good ones) have thousands of followers. This, sadly, is a gift and a curse. When the world comes crashing down on some people, their followers aren't going to be there for them.

     The "Wild Side" of Instagram is like its heart. A lot of posts on Instagram are sexual and shouldn't be posted on the Internet. If you want to hear more about this, click here. However, these posts do not feed Instagram... they're more like an added bonus. So, what is Instagram really all about?

     Instagram is where teenagers go to let out stress. Instagram is where teenagers tell how they're feeling , while staying slightly anonymous. Personally, I think this is a bad idea- I'll tell you why in a minute. Anyways, Instagram is the place for teens where they can be free, have no stress, and just be themselves. Post what they like, say what they like, do what they like, and best of all, no one is the boss of them. Besides the dark side of Instagram, like the suicidal hint posts, or the breakup posts, or the depression posts- things seen on Tumblr- Instagram has a light side. The side where people aren't trying to throw shade at each other. The side where people are actually assisting each other and using social media how it's supposed to be used. Instead of hateful and racist posts, funny posts are posted. 
     Here's my opinion on why I don't like Instagram. Snapchat also does this too. When someone is tired of talking to someone else, they leave the conversation. That's a good idea if it's done right. Sadly, where do most people go? On Instagram, talking about how everyone is making them mad and stuff. That boggles my mind. If someone is getting on your nerves, go talk to them. Complaining about it is one thing, but saying bad stuff about them behind their back is another. To top it off, they can't even deal with the repercussions. If you can't take the heat, get out of the fire. That's it. The same thing applies in real life- don't start something if you can't (or won't) finish it. 

Instagram: Beyond the Post (Part 2)

     Now that we've established one of the dangers of Instagram, it's time to go beyond the people.  Instead, we're going to focus on what the post. (Ironic that the title is "Beyond the Post" and we're talking about the posts.) It's amazing... the things people are putting on the interest simply because they can. Anonymity (being anonymous) can work wonders on people. They think they're shielded from the backlash of what goes on on the World Wide Web. We all know Issac Newton's third law, right? "For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction." Now, this doesn't apply just to forces. This applies to the Internet, too. For everything you post-and I mean everything- there is an equal and opposite reaction. In some cases, we can call it 'backlash'. It's fun, isn't it? Saying bad things about people and knowing you won't get caught. It makes users feel invincible. But, in reality, you're not hiding anything. You're not actually anonymous. Everything you say and do can be tracked with your electronic footprint. Flaming someone may be a good idea to you at the time, but that post may be the first domino that starts the Domino Effect. Many things that happen on social media get taken into real life. People don't realize that cyberbullying disrupts organizations at school. The fact that someone knows they're getting talked about in a bad way all the time by everybody will substantially effect their education in a negative way. It's too bad, however, that most people don't see this until it's too late. This is one of the reasons school shootings happen in America. Foolishness and carelessness. 

     Another thing that's popular to post on Instagram are revealing pictures. Also known as 'exposing' someone. Here's a general rule every user, especially teenagers, should follow: If you wouldn't mind your mother, one of your teachers, a college professor, an administrator, and the President himself seeing it, go ahead and post it. But, if one (or any) of those people would disapprove of it, don't post it. DON'T POST IT. If it embarrasses you in any way, shape, or form, don't post it. Also, there's no reason to say some mean words to anyone through the Internet, either. Instagram especially. One post turns into an argument in the comments. That argument carries over into the real world-  we've all seen it before. "Dang, man, why'd it happen? He was such a good kid, he would never do this...". Oh, yes he would. People will do a wide range of things when enraged or provoked. You call someone out, indeed they will answer. Instead of acting like everything is fine between two people, they go ranting about it on Instagram, thinking the other person won't see it. NEWSFLASH!!!!! They will see it. As you saw in my last post, a lot of teens use Instagram. Don't think of it as a classroom of thirty teens- think of it as a grade of three hundred teens. You know how fast information spreads over the Internet. Be smart about what you post. Don't just think about yourself- think about the other people all on Instagram. Because they can see it too. 

Instagram: Beyond the Post (Part 1)

Instagram: Beyond the Post

     People like to think Instagram is safe, It might be- if you're careful. Out of 76% of teens that use social media*, 52% use Instagram. And each has an average of 150 followers. Now I know what you're thinking: "On such a popular app, 150 doesn't seem like a lot." Like you, I thought so too; until I did the math. Take a standard middle school classroom- let's say 30 students, and each has Instagram. Each teen has the average 150 followers, give or take a little. 30 x 150 = 4500. That's four-thousand five hundred people on social media, most of them also teens. That is over four thousand teenagers missing out on quality, genuine, face-to-face friendships. Real friends won't just comment on your picture. Real friends will support you through your toughest times, and they'll be there in your most fun and exciting times. Instagram. . .sort of takes away that privilege. Teenagers have a need to be wanted and accepted, but what's the point of all those people aren't here when you need them? Personally, I know someone that has over five thousand followers. Let's say half of them are teens. Over two thousand teenagers are on Instagram, following that one person. Quite surprising, isn't it?

      It's more about the quality than it is the quantity. It's not a problem to have Instagram if you're not addicted to it. Rarely do online friendships carry over into real life. Take the time and step away from the screen before the screen becomes reality.

*Statistics come from a 2015 study by the Pew Research Center