The Dual Nature of Instagram: a Modern Social Phenomenon

We find ourselves in an era where smartphones and social media are almost inseparable, both literally and figuratively. Among the myriad of social media platforms, Instagram stands out with an astounding 1 billion users, having grown from 800 million in 2017 to 1 billion in 2018. This widespread application is utilized by people across various age groups for numerous purposes, serving both beneficial and detrimental roles in contemporary society. But what exactly is Instagram? For those unfamiliar, Instagram is a photo and video-sharing social networking service.

The platform allows users to upload photos and videos, which can be enhanced with multiple filters and organized using tags and location details. Posts can be shared publicly or privately with approved followers, while users have the ability to browse content by tags and locations, and view trending posts. Interaction features include the ability to "like" photos, follow other users, and engage in dialogue through comments. Instagram was the brainchild of Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger, launching exclusively on iOS in October 2010, and later expanding to the Android app store a year and a half later.

Since its inception, Instagram has rapidly gained global traction, even winning the 2011 App Store App of The Year. In a significant move, Facebook acquired Instagram for $1 billion in April 2012. According to Forbes.com, a key reason for this acquisition was Instagram's advanced understanding of user preferences, which Facebook needed to optimize its media offerings. By integrating Instagram, Facebook expanded the platform's reach, attracting more potential users and increasing its impact.

Benefits of Instagram

Instagram offers numerous advantages, such as connecting people through mutual interests or friends, promoting businesses, and boosting user confidence through content sharing. It also serves as an educational tool, exposing users to diverse topics like travel, cooking, and wellness. For instance, Instagram has been instrumental in aiding businesses like MVMT, founded by Jake Kassan and Kramer LaPlante. Their goal was to sell stylish, affordable watches directly to Millennials via the internet. Within five years, MVMT achieved $80 million in sales as a digital-only brand. Initially, they gained consumer recognition through a crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo, earning $1 million in sales in their first year. Subsequently, they leveraged Instagram, amassing nearly 1 million followers by sharing user-generated content with the hashtag jointhemvmt and collaborating with influencers to subtly promote the brand. By focusing on Instagram, MVMT's sales soared to over $2 million in their second year, a significant milestone for a burgeoning company.

Instagram also fosters connections between individuals who might never meet through traditional means. In April 2017, Roberto Forgione noticed that someone who had "ghosted" him viewed his Instagram story. This led to a reconnection with Anthea Fisher, resulting in a relationship that has endured, with the couple attending weddings together and spending holidays like Thanksgiving in each other's company. Another Instagram success story involves Bethany Olson and Cory Staudache, both photographers who initially connected on Instagram before meeting at a music festival in Seattle. Their relationship blossomed into a road trip adventure, culminating in Cory's marriage proposal a year later. Their wedding in 2016 included many mutual friends, highlighting Instagram's role in building connections and fostering community.

Furthermore, Instagram hosts positive accounts that champion self-acceptance, regardless of size, color, gender, or sexuality. While Instagram offers editing features to enhance one's appearance, brands like American Eagle's Aerie encourage authenticity by posting unedited swimsuit photos, promoting self-confidence. Similar accounts, such as Bodyposipanda, SwimsuitsForAll, TessHoliday, and MyPaleSkinBlog, cater primarily to women, each with a unique message. Bodyposipanda promotes body positivity and discourages body shaming, while SwimsuitsForAll champions inclusivity, encouraging everyone to feel confident in a swimsuit. TessHoliday's page empowers plus-size women to share photos and receive positive feedback, fostering self-assurance. Em Ford's MyPaleSkinBlog offers makeup tutorials and chronicles her journey with acne to reassure women with imperfect skin. These Instagram accounts serve as beacons of positivity, encouraging individuals to embrace their true selves.

Challenges and Concerns

Despite its positives, Instagram is not without its challenges. Issues like cyberbullying and body shaming have significant repercussions on youth mental health. In May 2017, a survey by The Royal Society for Public Health identified Instagram as the most detrimental social media app for mental health, based on responses from 1,500 individuals aged 14 to 24 in the UK. Mary, a pseudonymous 13-year-old, experienced relentless bullying on Instagram by a former friend, leading to her first panic attack. This harassment began after Mary made the cheer team while her friend did not, highlighting how Instagram can exacerbate feelings of jealousy and inadequacy.

Tragically, cyberbullying on Instagram has even led to suicide, as demonstrated by the case of 14-year-old Quentin Espinoza in November 2017. Posthumous investigations revealed taunting posts on his Instagram account, including messages urging him to die and expressing relief at his passing. This underscores the severe consequences of cyberbullying, which can drive victims to despair and self-harm.

Instagram's competitive nature can also contribute to anxiety and low self-esteem, as users vie for likes, comments, and perfect photos. The ability to edit photos with filters can create unrealistic beauty standards, leading to negative self-comparisons. Research published by Taylor and Francis Online indicates that exposure to manipulated Instagram photos can harm body image, particularly in girls with a predisposition to social comparison.

In conclusion, while Instagram presents both benefits and drawbacks, its prevalence continues to rise, fueled by a technology-dependent younger generation. The platform must address user safety and comfort, particularly concerning cyberbullying and unrealistic beauty standards. Nonetheless, Instagram remains a vital tool for connection, creativity, and commerce, with the potential for positive evolution in the coming years. As we look ahead, it will be intriguing to observe how Instagram adapts and what its users will make of it.

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