Kevin Systrom, one of the co-founders of Instagram, recently expressed his concerns about the direction the social network has taken in recent years. In an interview with American technology reporter Kara Swisher, Systrom claimed that Instagram has lost its “soul” and is no longer the platform he helped create.
Systrom founded Instagram in 2010 with Mike Krieger and also created Burbn, a location-sharing service. He revealed in the interview that he used to log into Instagram to see what his friends and family were up to, but now all he sees are creators and brands using the platform to sell products and services and make money.
Instagram has lost its soul
According to Systrom, the problem with Instagram’s business model lies in its focus on targeting ads. While this strategy may be paying off for Meta, the parent company of Instagram, it has left many regular Instagram users feeling left out. The platform has become increasingly geared towards professional creators and companies, leaving little room for the average user.
The monetization process on Instagram has also led to unintended consequences. Influencers on the platform are living extravagant lives, promoting a lifestyle that many people aspire to but cannot achieve. Systrom notes that Instagram has become a race to the bottom. With users competing to be the most perfect and flawless.
Systrom praised the BeReal platform for trying to rescue some of what Instagram was in the past. BeReal encourages users to post random, unfiltered moments of their day without any preparation, makeup, or pre-production. This platform is a response to the increasing pressure on Instagram users to present a perfect, curated image of their lives.
It is important to note that Instagram was sold to Facebook in 2012 for $1 billion. Systrom and Krieger remained at the helm for a while longer but eventually left the company in 2018. Due to disagreements with Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg.
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The impact of social media on our lives is really bad
Systrom’s criticism of Instagram reflects a growing concern about the impact of social media on our lives. Many people feel pressure to present a perfect image of themselves on these platforms, leading to increased anxiety and depression. The rise of influencers has also created unrealistic expectations about what it means to be successful or happy.
Instagram’s focus on monetization has also led to a growing divide between content creators and regular users. While influencers on the platform are living lavish lifestyles, many regular users struggle to keep up. This divide could lead to unintended social consequences, as Systrom warns.
The BeReal platform is an attempt to address some of these issues. By encouraging users to be more authentic and less filtered. However, it remains to be seen whether this platform can compete with Instagram. Which has become a dominant force in the social media landscape. Despite its bad effect on the mental and psychological health of users.
In conclusion, Systrom’s criticism of Instagram highlights the growing concerns about the impact of social media on our lives. The focus on monetization has led to a platform that is increasingly geared towards influencers and brands. Leaving regular users feeling left out. The rise of influencers has also created unrealistic expectations about what it means to be successful or happy. The BeReal platform is a response to these concerns. But it remains to be seen whether it can truly offer an alternative to Instagram’s curated image of perfection. As we move forward, it is important to continue to question the role of social media in our lives and how we can use these platforms in a way that is healthy and authentic.
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