The world of consumerism and its influential platform amongst social media.
Consumerism. A term that can have a powerful affect amongst an economy, for the good and for the bad. Place this next to social media, and you are meddled with a combination of the purpose that consumerism serves within a platform that is, virtually online. Social media has formulated this platform, which has contributed to society in productive, innovative and creative ways. Yet the privileges that social media can bring, can also have the power to turn against a morality. It is the idea that consumerism has pried amongst social media in a way like never before. Such as, Instagram. I would never have imagined this form of social media to develop into what it stands for today. Years ago, I remember obtaining an account for the first time and finding excuses throughout my day to upload a photo. Years went on, followers accumulated, accounts bloomed and eventually everyone had caught on. The pressures of keeping up with Instagram became the norm, overthinking a caption just for the satisfaction of others and the need to represent the next best version of yourself were a few of the menacing qualities I observed. That mindset was never one for me, yet I must admit that it almost got into my head. However for some, that mindset still lingered however with wrong intentions.Â
The effort to create a seamlessly ‘perfect’ life, misleading captions, a beautifully arranged breakfast meal… all viewed from a 3 x 4 grid at the palm of your hands. Okay, stop right there. I’m starting to get a little off track here because I didn’t solely write this to shit on those that utilise Instagram for the wrong intention. It’s the consumerism that has found its way through this multimillion-dollar platform. The sponsorships. The word that screams money, money, money. I remember when sponsorships were never an ‘Instagram’ thing. But thinking about it more…. What a clever way to build a platform but through an individual based on their following? There’s a fine line between those that request individuals at the expense that they ‘promote’ their product and those that are gifted purely due to their past efforts or personal platform they have amongst the community. No doubt did coming across those kinds of accounts put me off. *Unfollowed*. What kind of account do you claim to be if all you do is post pictures of items that have been freely given to you at a cost? Sure, out of respect it’s common courtesy to do them a favour but for all your posts to have the same characteristic? Stop! Popularity cannot be defined from a certain amount of following. There is such a thing as ‘buying followers’ but let’s not get into that today...
I find myself to be so passionate about this part of social media and observing the effects it has played amongst our society. The ‘effects’ being for its corrupted use in publicity and promotions. That to me, is one unhealthy way to build a reputation. Hence, why laying low is almost always the best option. Materialism can only last for a period of time, but take away your account and your followers and what is left? A history of endless promoted photos? Or more so, a collection of fond memories, creative content, the people you love, places you will always admire and special moments captured. That, are a few of the strengths a platform such as Instagram should be used for.Â
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