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
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