Blog 5: EOTO 1

 

    Instagram was founded in 2010 by Kevin Systrom.  Originally called "Burbn", the app was designed to connect people globally by sharing their check-ins at new locations.  Systrom secured $500,000 in funding from venture capitalists and soon found a collaborator in Mike Kreiger, now Instagram's co-founder.  As they worked on the app, they realized it was too similar to the established app Foursquare.  Capitalizing on the growing popularity of image-based communication, they rebranded their app as Instagram - a name combining "instant camera" and "telegram", which aligned better with their focus on photo sharing. 

    This app launched to the public on October 10, 2010 and in just three months, it had garnered 1 million users!  By month four of Instagram's launch date, there were 2 million users.  The growth was unprecedented compared to other social media platforms:  Facebook took ten months to reach 1 million users; Twitter reached 1 million users in twenty-four months; and Tumblr reached the 1 million user mark in twenty-seven months.  The initial version of Instagram allowed users to post photos, like, comment, and follow others.  In 2011, the app received its first update, which included a new icon resembling the back of a Polaroid camera and improved camera settings. In 2012, Instagram expanded to Android users, attracting an additional 50 million users in April alone.

    Instagram has significantly influenced how we communicate, evolving from a simple photo-sharing app to a multi-faceted social media platform.  Its growth has facilitated the rise of influencers and reshaped digital marketing.  In November 2013, Instagram introduced sponsored posts, positioning the app as a major advertising platform.  The same year, Instagram launched direct messaging (DMs), providing a private communication channel for users.  Additionally, video sharing was introduced, allowing users to post videos alongside photos.

    The platform continued to innovate in 2014 by introducing business accounts.  This feature enabled users to monitor interactions and track their reach, which was particular beneficial for brands and influencers.  Instagram's evolution has transformed into a daily communication tool, with features and updates continuously user engagement and connectivity.

    Though it has mostly been a positive addition to the communication tool bag, there are some negative implications of social media platforms like Instagram.  There is  a level of dependency that can develop as it relates to many social media apps.  To some, their day cannot begin or end without accessing the app to discover what is happening, who is successful, and/or who to emulate.  For some, Instagram has also created a false sense of reality.  It is important to put information shared in perspective, as most people only post positive images.  To curate your life based on someone's social media posts can create negative self-images, poor self-images, and mental health concerns.  Being aware of the fact that posts are based on what people want you to see versus what may actually be happening is a must when you decide to engage in social media.  It's also important to "unplug" from social media and other digital devices to re-center and give yourself mental breaks.

     Instagram's journey from "Burbn" to a global social media giant highlights the importance of adapting to trends and user needs.  Its rapid user growth and constant feature enhancements have set it apart from other social media platforms.  The app's ability to integrate new functionalities, such as DMs, video sharing, and business accounts has cemented its place in the digital landscape  and made it an indispensable tool for personal and professional communication.