Instagram, like most technologies in a postmodern world, adds as an additional, complex layer to our reality – a layer that can be so convincingly lifelike at times, we may begin to believe it is actually real and act accordingly. Acknowledging and understanding the existence of this matrix can help us in actively adapting to technology in an empowered way, rather than passively surrendering to it. Thus, finding the right balance on how to engage with the technological flux and informational overload common in today’s fast-paced world is vital in keeping ourselves emotionally, mentally and physically centered.
In this project, I outline the ways in which the popular visually-based social media app, Instagram, functions as a technological tool – from its privacy settings to its news-feed algorithm to the ways in which it is designed to be addictive. I then offer suggestions on how we can smartly adapt to Instagram in a way that empowers us to achieve the goals we seek, rather than willingly surrendering ourselves and our data to already extremely wealthy and powerful entities.
My suggestions arise from a culmination of months of direct-user experimentation and observation on the app itself, as well as a combination of numerous research materials, such as academic journals, books, tech blogs, and industry advice. The ultimate goal of this project is to shed light on some of the pros and cons of utilizing Instagram (primarily) as a personal tool, so that we can teach our students to become more well-informed citizens by engaging with social media in a healthier way, while simultaneously learning to be better practitioners ourselves.
About the presenterMarci Mazzarotto
Assistant Professor of Digital Communication and Chair of the Department of Communication and Graphic Design at Georgian Court University.