We of Generation Y have created a social media culture, complete with social facts that we adhere to. These norms—enforced through comments and number of likes--have created for us a thought and reasoning process when it comes to updating our Instagram accounts.

Step One: Choosing

Since my Instagram feed is flooded with photos that depict the users' lives in a positive way, it seems that the trend is to post photos that make it appear like:

• You are attractive and/or having fun. (I highly recommend the laughing-group-shot.)
  
  

• You are eating cuisine that tastes *coughs* looks *coughs* so brilliant that can be compared to adult films, and be hash tagged as #foodporn.
• You are in a setting so beautiful and meaningful that you choose to associate with a mood; such as your “happy place”.

Step Two: Editing

Now that you have selected your prize-winning photo, it is time to make it even more aesthetically pleasing—as if that is possible.

• It seems essential that all the colors—or lack thereof—be accentuated, or “pop”. Thus, you should make it a point to turn up the contrast as much as possible, and change many other complicated photographic elements.
• ….Or, you could just use the world’s most marvelous invention since fire: the filter.When deciding on a filter, think like Goldilocks: choose one that is just right. Also, remember that filters are there to accentuate the photo’s features, not change it.

Photo: @totalsororitymove

• *Optional* You may also choose to add white borders to your photo. If you choose to employ these to your Instagram post, here's is a short list of questions:
  • Does the photo fit the “square”?
    • Yes: The world is your oyster. It is up to your artistic vision: you could either Instagram the photo as it is, or place white borders around it.
    • If not, do you want it to fit the square?
      • Yes: Place white borders to minimize the picture’s size, and squeeze it into the square
      • No: What are you doing on Instagram? Post this photo elsewhere.

Step Four: Captioning

Your photo’s caption tells your followers it life story, goals, and purpose:

Photo: @totalsororitymove

A funny caption could show that your photo is humorous and aims to entertain its audience. However, if juxtaposed with a serious photo, it could act to decrease the post’s seriousness. There are a plethora of captions, and ways to utilize them.

• Emojis: This type of caption shows that your photo literally couldn't even that it was speechless.

Step Five: Posting

One word: Timing.