Power Dynamics on Instagram
BY SOPHIE ZHANG '22
Instagram dominates the teenage social scene. According to the Pew Research Center, 72% of teens aged thirteen to seventeen say they use the platform. The majority of my friends are on it, posting about their vacations and sharing news. By sharing our unique perspectives, we open conversations and eliminate cultural barriers. However, many social issues exemplified in school are further amplified on Instagram. We are disinterested in students of lower “popularity,” exacerbating social hierarchies and isolating ourselves. However, Instagram can also be empowering: broadcasting identities and opening discussion.
In my free moments, I spend time scrolling through my feed, clicking away at Instagram stories. When I’m feeling particularly confident, I issue follow requests, nervously pressing the blue button. The next day, I check to see if the user has followed me back. If not, I promptly unfollow them. Many teenagers constantly maintain their profile to have a favorable follow ratio; when we receive a follow request, we calculate others’ popularity to determine whether they are worth the follow back.
By using follower counts and ratios to gauge popularity, we prematurely evaluate others’ value and worth. By only following certain people we deem “cool,” we miss the chance to communicate and interact with others outside our scope. Whenever someone does not follow me back, I question why and ponder my worth. However, as I began to familiarize myself with the platform, I realize that just as I calculate the social risk of follows and likes, so too do my peers, in the arbitrary way that does not reflect self-worth. The only opinion of yourself that truly matters is your own.
By deemphasizing the power of a follow and popularity itself, we can instead focus on Instagram’s ability to empower. With social media, one can more easily find their voice and express themselves. Through stories, we can broadcast political opinions and important initiatives we are passionate about. By posting pictures, we further magnify our unique style and influence. Instagram allows us to explore ourselves more deeply, inspiring confidence and boosting self-esteem. We can further erase ignorance and bigotry by learning more about each other and our different perspectives. Instagram is a powerful tool for connection where we can message anyone anytime. By eliminating these preconceived boundaries of value, we may reach out to more diverse people and create a more positive space of encouragement and kindness.
Instagram dominates the teenage social scene. According to the Pew Research Center, 72% of teens aged thirteen to seventeen say they use the platform. The majority of my friends are on it, posting about their vacations and sharing news. By sharing our unique perspectives, we open conversations and eliminate cultural barriers. However, many social issues exemplified in school are further amplified on Instagram. We are disinterested in students of lower “popularity,” exacerbating social hierarchies and isolating ourselves. However, Instagram can also be empowering: broadcasting identities and opening discussion.
In my free moments, I spend time scrolling through my feed, clicking away at Instagram stories. When I’m feeling particularly confident, I issue follow requests, nervously pressing the blue button. The next day, I check to see if the user has followed me back. If not, I promptly unfollow them. Many teenagers constantly maintain their profile to have a favorable follow ratio; when we receive a follow request, we calculate others’ popularity to determine whether they are worth the follow back.
By using follower counts and ratios to gauge popularity, we prematurely evaluate others’ value and worth. By only following certain people we deem “cool,” we miss the chance to communicate and interact with others outside our scope. Whenever someone does not follow me back, I question why and ponder my worth. However, as I began to familiarize myself with the platform, I realize that just as I calculate the social risk of follows and likes, so too do my peers, in the arbitrary way that does not reflect self-worth. The only opinion of yourself that truly matters is your own.
By deemphasizing the power of a follow and popularity itself, we can instead focus on Instagram’s ability to empower. With social media, one can more easily find their voice and express themselves. Through stories, we can broadcast political opinions and important initiatives we are passionate about. By posting pictures, we further magnify our unique style and influence. Instagram allows us to explore ourselves more deeply, inspiring confidence and boosting self-esteem. We can further erase ignorance and bigotry by learning more about each other and our different perspectives. Instagram is a powerful tool for connection where we can message anyone anytime. By eliminating these preconceived boundaries of value, we may reach out to more diverse people and create a more positive space of encouragement and kindness.
