Instagram is one of a slew of smartphone applications that have tapped into young people’s creative, image-based online lives.
You’ve probably heard something about it in passing, whether from your pupils, your child, or the media.
So it’s about time you learned about the app and what it’s all about.
What is Instagram?
Instagram, at its most basic, is a social networking program that allows users to post photos and videos with their contacts. The app is free to download from the standard app stores and has taken pride of place on many a young (and older!) person’s (and older!) smartphone.
Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger, both Stanford University grads, launched the firm in 2010, and it today has over 200 million users. The firm was purchased by Facebook, the social networking behemoth, in 2012. While its core idea is picture sharing, the site’s success stems from its image-editing capability.
After a user takes a photo, the filters – of which there are hundreds – can change the image in a way that resembles old-fashioned Polaroid printouts. The software allows users to create personal accounts, but it can also be linked to existing social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter, allowing them to share their photos across platforms.
Features of Instagram
Now let’s take a peek inside the amazing features offered by this social media platform:
Instagram Questions
Instagram Questions is a new feature that was launched in July 2018. It enables users to respond to questions presented by their followers. Although replies to queries are not anonymous, this is reminiscent of the contentious Ask. FM. If you submit a question to someone you follow, they can add it to their narrative and write a response, but you will not be identified as the one who posed the question. It is a well-liked feature among influencers.
Instagram Direct
Instagram Direct enables you to share images, videos, hashtag pages, profiles, and places with a single individual or small group of people (up to 15) directly from a user’s newsfeed. This feature can be accessed by tapping the Inbox symbol in the top right-hand corner of the app.
Instagram Stories
Instagram Stories allows users to combine multiple photos/videos into a single story. The new feature functions similarly to Snapchat Tales, with stories deleting after 24 hours. Instagram Stories do not appear on a user’s profile or in their Newsfeed. Instagram Stories adhere to the same privacy settings as a user’s profile. For example, if a person has a private account and uploads a story, only the user’s friends may see it.
What Are the Risks?
When a user first signs up, his or her profile is immediately made public, which means that any images or videos generated and uploaded using the app may be viewed by everyone. We don’t need to go over the obvious privacy concerns that this presents. See the section at the end of this article for instructions on how to make postings private. With the proliferation of new features such as Instagram Questions, there is a possibility that they may be abused and exploited to cyberbully other users. If you are the victim of cyberbullying, take screenshots of the communications, block the bully, and report them.
Instagram has also been embroiled in a number of other issues. The BBC examined the app’s use by drug traffickers who used this platform to sell narcotics in 2013. Instagram, on the other hand, is now monitoring the hashtag feature – which is widely used on the app – in an effort to prevent unauthorized use of its service.
Like many other social networking platforms, it has age restrictions, although ones that are tough to implement. The Digital Age of Consent in Ireland is set at 16. According to the company’s terms of service:
“Instagram requires everyone to be at least 13 years old before they can create an account (in some jurisdictions, this age limit may be higher). If your child is younger than 13 and created an account on Instagram, you can show them how to delete their account.”
What Are the Benefits?
While there are hazards, there are also advantages, as with many of the most famous social networking services. Instagram is all about fostering uniqueness and creativity. Indeed, this platform is most likely one of the causes for the comeback of photography’s popularity. The app, which lets its youthful users express their life through funny, filtered pictures, hashtags, or short video snippets, has definitely been well received by the bulk of its users.
Young people also appreciate the idea that they can use the app to follow celebrities or influencers, as well as keep up with new companies, news, and friends.
FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions)
Is there a minimum age requirement? Update: In accordance with the new European Union General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Ireland has raised the Digital Age of Consent to 16 years old. This implies that in Ireland, young people under the age of 16 are not permitted to use this site.
Make the most of Instagram by familiarising yourself with its features and privacy settings. Do you require assistance? The following are some commonly asked questions:
How to Block A Person on Instagram?
Follow these simple steps if you want to block a person on Instagram:
STEP 1: On the selected profile, tap the ‘Three Dots’ Icon.
STEP 2: Select ‘Block User.’
How to Report a Photo or Video on Instagram?
To report any video or material, just follow these steps:
STEP 1: Under the comments area, tap the ‘Three Dots’ button.
STEP 2: Report Improper Behavior
STEP 3: Choose a related report.
How to Delete and Report Comments on Instagram?
You can follow these steps to report comments on Instagram:
STEP 1: Click the comment button.
STEP 2: Select comment / Swipe from right to left to display remove alternatives, depending on the device
Please also keep in mind that you have the option to disable comments in your settings.
How to Share (Privately) on Instagram?
To make your post or account private, follow these steps:
STEP 1: Select Edit Your Profile.
STEP 2: Tick postings are not public.
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