If you could see everything through the filters of Instagram, would you? Instagram is the most unique form of popular social media in my eyes. I’m not going to lie, I have a low-key addiction to it. The idea that I can create my own perfect perception of the world with my iPhone camera and a collage of little boxes is really exciting to me.
There is an article on the Elle Magazine website about how Instagram is ruining “our self-esteem.” People compare their amount of “likes” to the other people they follow. With comparing likes comes explanations and assumptions of why someone has more likes than you, which then circles back to comparing appearances. I understand completely where that idea came from, as insecurities exist in everyone. But, instead of seeing Instagram as a potentially harmful, I see it as empowering.
Instagram can be used as a form of self-expression, a platform for your art and even a place to voice political activism (#freethenipple). Instagram allows you to create the life you want to live, or the version of yourself you want other people to see. It doesn't matter if the person displayed across those petite boxes is the same person people see in class or walking down the street, it is a version of you. That is why it's empowering, you hold all the control in your fingertips, or thumbs.
Some argue that social media holds people back from living in the moment, that people only go places or hang out with other people just to get a photo-op for their massive followings. You can still live your life in the moment and enjoy what you're doing even if you take 10 seconds to snap a photograph. Why wouldn't you want people to see the cool stuff you are doing? I am constantly inspired by the places people go on their Instagrams. So-what if someone feels empowered by their Instagram likes? Everyone looks for little things to make them happier.
Photography is a form of art, so I would argue that anyone's Instagram account is their personal portfolio. I see my Instagram is a photographic journal. Over time, I've seen how my view of the world has changed; and I've started wanting others to see my life.
It's important to balance enjoying media and enjoying life! So instead of shaming Instagram as a promotion for self-loathing and living outside of the moment, let's get our aesthetics on and continue to photograph our perfect wonderlands.
