The Pyle Inside

Instagram: Social Media at its Best

by Karanina Bhattacharjee

Have you ever heard of Instagram? Well, if you haven’t, it’s the boom of social media these days. With the tap of a button you can share photos with all of your followers. It is like Twitter and Facebook combined. In the sense that, you can have people follow you (Twitter) and like/comment on your photos (Facebook). Also, it is an easy way to stay in touch with friends and family- through pictures!

One of the great things about Instagram is that it’s a free app! When you download it, you can instantly start viewing and liking photos, and even start posting your own. It is available in the App Store and on Google Play. Eighty million users already love Instagram! Its free editing tool makes your pictures appear bold and exciting from the effects “Sutro” to “Inkwell”.

Another great thing about Instagram is that you can share and help others learn about your culture. If you post pictures of events that you attend, it is an instantaneous way to share the memory with all of your followers. Also, it is a quick and easy way to advertise your business. You can even put a link in your bio (on your page) to your website.

On the other hand, there are some downsides to sharing your photos on Instagram. Since Facebook bought Instagram, there have been many additional changes in its policies. One of these changes regards Instagram using pictures from anybody’s account. They can simply upload one of your photos and use it for advertising. All of Instagram’s users should be aware of this and prospective users should, too.

Another downside to Instagram is that it can be addicting. The more people you follow, the more pictures there are to like and comment on. Many users don’t realize how addicting it can be. On one hand it is a time sucker, but it is a great form of social media, so you won’t be let down.

Overall, I find Instagram to be a great social networking app. My personal experience with sharing photos has been a pleasurable one, and it continues to be. So, if you don’t have an Instagram account by now, you should get one!