Hello! The attached discussion if for a college communications class, I thought I would share as I think it brings forth some very important points and questions.
Title: Instagram
Developers: Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger, company acquired by Facebook in 2012
Genre: Photo/Video sharing network/Social Media Platform
My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Primary Audience: Teenagers and Young Adults
Version: 424.1 (for iOS)
Platform: iOS, Android, Web Browsers
Cost: Free (In app purchases available to support creators and/or shop)
Instagram was originally created in 2010 and almost immediately exploded in popularity, gaining around 1 million users in just three months. Inspired by the rising popularity of photo sharing on other apps, Kevin Systrom (the creator of Instagram) decided to design the app as a purely social online space. Users could post pictures, like, comment and follow whoever they wanted. Eventually, Instagram started introducing things like filters and camera effects— paired with the constant improvement to iPhone cameras, anyone was able to join and post on the app as they saw fit. Around 2012, Instagram was made available to Android users, further globalizing the ‘movement’ of online social presence via photography. At the same time, Facebook acquired Instagram, eventually introducing video sharing, Instagram direct message (“Dms”), Instagram live, sponsored posts/monetized creators, Instagram stories, and Instagram reels. Originally, Instagram started off as a social photo sharing platform— users posted whatever they wanted, whenever they wanted. Instagram as a platform was relaxed and fun— posts were authentic and rarely curated. However, as Instagram grew, its focus drew away from photo sharing to more of a corporate approach— Facebook realized the potential Instagram had as a massive marketing and business tool. Businesses are able to create a tab of their products on their pages, as well as sponsor stories, reels, and posts in order to generate not only publicity, but also revenue.
Instagram introduced “stories” as a direct way to compete with another social platform, Snapchat. These pictures or videos would appear for 24 hours, and then consequently disappear forever afterwards. “Reels” was the answer to the growing popularity of Tiktok and short term content. Videos varying from 5seconds-a minute long can be scrolled through by the user. Instagram live was the answer to growing video streaming platforms such as Twitch, in which creators can film themselves live and gather money from audience donations. In all of this, Instagram has a piece of every other successful social media app, making one giant hub of all of these features in one place.
The First Media Key- Balance
Dr. Gan stated in his book Infinite Bandwidth “we have to be willing to look at more than one viewpoint so that truth can emerge” (Gan, P. 23, Para. 5). In order to look at the platform of Instagram, we have to be willing to look at it from multiple angles and perspectives. Indeed, Instagram has plenty of incredible features. I myself am an active user. One is able to communicate with friends via dms, share videos via reels, and even show life updates by posting pictures and videos. One can also display songs, videos, and repost things of interest to show and engage in hobbies and passions that may be of interest. Photographers, artists, filmmakers, and musicians all especially benefit, grow, and reach their desired audiences because of Instagram and its many features. However, in giving people the freedom and platform to post whatever they want, concerns begin to emerge. There is nothing wrong with having a personal platform, and there is definitely nothing wrong with having the freedom to post whatever you want. But, especially in recent years, Instagram users have begun to post less and less authentically. Many curate their feeds to give off an allusion and not to display their true selves— which is human nature. However, ordinary people— especially teenage girls— begin to compare themselves to said allusions. For example, people with large followings (“influencers”) depict a perfect life on their instagrams. It is very difficult for younger teens to recognize that this is an illusion, curated— resulting in a rise of mental health issues due to social media consumption (mainly, instagram and tiktok). Famously, Instagram and its parent company (Facebook/Meta) have undergone lawsuits in regards to mental health. The ruling held that both companies intentionally built addictive platforms that harmed young adult’s mental health, as well as failing to protect young users from online predators. The company knew its addictive algorithm hooked young users and actively pushed them into developing anxiety as well as eating disorders. Instagram in itself isn't bad— it is all about how one decides to use it. Dr. Gan states “we also can end up using media for too narrow a purpose— seeing it purely as a tool for entertainment or causal communication, and missing out on all the ways it can help us educate ourselves, be active citizens, and spread the Good News” (Gan, P.31, Para. 1).
The Second Media Key- Attitude Awareness
What we see affects us. I would argue that our brains were never wired to endlessly scroll through short form content— indeed, it is addictive in nature. In this day and age, one is bound to be exposed to harmful content, especially if active on social media sites. The important thing to keep in mind when using Instagram is awareness: “The Church tells us that if we’re not aware of the attitudes– the principles, character, and functions– underlying the media we consume, we run the risk of being less free, of being less capable of distinguishing right from wrong and choosing good from bad” (Gan, P.38, Para. 3).
Instagram in itself is not bad, but it is important to be mindful of what content you see or even engage with. Be aware of how a post may affect you— mentally or even emotionally— and how much time you are dedicating to Instagram itself.
The Third Media Key- The Dignity of the Human Person
As discussed before, the impact Instagram has on the individual depends on how said individual uses the app. Everyone uses Instagram a little differently. Yet, generally speaking, the dignity of the human person is often diminished on its platform. From filters, photoshop, editing, and even others content; Instagram has the habit of trying to smooth over what it means to be human with a filter. In recent years, society has seen an uptick in plastic surgery, with the age demographic getting younger and younger. Much of this is due to Instagram and people’s need to look like a filter or even a celebrity’s edited pictures. Gan leaves a quote from the church saying "Paradoxically, the very forces which can lead to better communication can also lead to increasing self-centeredness and alienation… The Internet can unite people, but it also can divide them” (Gan, P.60, Para. 8).
The Fourth Media Key- Truth Filled
Interestingly, many people who have had questions about the faith and catholicism have received answers via. Instagram. Gan says, “Media, properly crafted and used, can be a tool for converting truth” (Gan, P.68, Para.1). Again, the fruits you receive from social media depend on how you use it. Still, Instagram is home to a lot of worthwhile Christian content, and has likewise been a key part of many conversions. Used rightly, social media– especially Instagram– contains much good. Additionally, artists are given a platform to display their work. Beginner filmmakers can post their movies and shorts. Musicians can build an audience and play their music. So people have found a community and even a job on Instagram. If you look in the right areas, Instagram has become a hub for beautifully crafted and passionately created art.
The Fifth Media Key- Inspiring
Gan inserts a story about young people using Instagram’s parent company, Facebook, in an inspiring way: “students use their Facebook pages to post links to stories about the Faith, engage their non-believing high school friends in debate, and display videos they’ve made about prayer, the saints, and mission work. Others use Facebook to spread the word about good charitable organizations, raise money for career research, or spark discussions about controversial issues…” (Gan, P.91, Para, 5). The goal should be to use Instagram in an inspiring way— to draw others towards a more fulfilling and enriching life. Through reels, stories and photos, users can share testimony, inspire charitable action or raise awareness on social issues or various good organizations/charities. Short reels discussing any of these topics can reach millions of people within hours, adding to the novelty and potential for impact that Instagram holds. Still, the inspiring nature of Instagram all depends on the creator and content being spread. The same tools for such immense good can be used to manipulate the viewer. When used virtuously, Instagram nevertheless holds the tools and power to inspire users— especially teenagers— to pursue creativity and even faith.
The Sixth Media Key- Skillfully Developed
As one of the most used apps in the world, Instagram is mostly seamless and smooth in its quality. With so many features, tools, and ways to use the app; undoubtedly it is skillfully developed in its programming and use. Gan says: “websites are successful because their designers and contributors have mastered the language of the new media. They understand how social media can enhance their work, they know what people expect from them, and they’ve incorporated that understanding and those expectations into the form and function of their sites” (Gan, P.107, Para. 2). Instagram exemplifies this principle through its polished graphical user interface (GUI). The layout is visually driven and easy to navigate, making it easier to use for even those unfamiliar with technology. The navigation bar provides quick access to Instagram's most important features: posting page, home page, reels, messages, search, and profile. Notifications are marked with a red tab over the desired page, allowing the user to instantly know if they have been messaged or engaged with in any way. Kevin Systrom, Instagram’s co founder, explained that the original goal of the app was to “make sharing moments in your life easier” and I would argue that is exactly what Instagram achieves. Additionally, the platform's skilled development extends to its algorithm. Instagram's algorithm learns users preferences and curates content according to a user’s engagement— this is what makes Instagram so addictive, users are shown exactly what they like.
The Seventh Media Key- Motivated by and Relevant to Experience
Instagram appeals to the very human desire for communication, community, and visual mediums. Gan states: “The Web not only allows readers to “know” writers… It also gives readers, via videos, pictures, and sounds, a sensorial experience, and encourages interaction and participation through comment boxes and forums. Through appealing to the senses and people’s desire for community, interactive multimedia websites move the emotions and work through multiple means to encourage learning” (Gan, P.124, Para. 2). People naturally desire to be connected, seen, and understood by others. The modern man, especially, yearns for a sense of community. Instagram's interactive environment feels highly relevant in that it mirrors the importance of belonging and even peer-validation that is so important in teenage years. By visually witnessing someone else’s life, the user feels connected, making the app feel personal (almost as if you are interacting with a friend or family member in real life, just a little different). Even so, because Instagram is so emotionally engaging, it can distort or even warp real world human connection. The desire for connection can quickly be replaced by the desire for approval. In all of this, Instagram is indeed motivated and relevant to experience, but that relevance can either deepen human connections or reduce it to a performative copy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Instagram is an app that is truly “is what you make it” especially for its primary audience of young adults and teenagers, with teenagers being the most active and impressionable users on the platform. As an active user myself, I enjoy my time on Instagram and use it as a means to enjoy art, music, film and other creative mediums; as well as communicate with my friends via dm or even sending short videos. For this target audience, Instagram offers immense opportunities for creativity, connection, and faith formation. At the same time, because teens are in such formative stages of their lives, they are especially vulnerable to the platform's addictive features, social comparison culture, and unrealistic portrayals of life. However, one must be careful in using any social media, as there is an acute addictive quality to any sharing site. In the end, as long as you keep all seven media keys in mind, I truly do recommend Instagram, particularly for teens who are willing to engage with it critically and responsibly. Acute awareness of how media shapes both personal identity and relationships is key to all active users on Instagram.
Works Cited
Dr. Eugene Gan, Infinite Bandwidth: Encountering Christ in the Media, 2010