Instagram is not an inherent evil.  There I said it.  Although there are plenty of courses of food for thought, some may argue that Instagram makes us more adventerous people, gives us new goals, and empowers users through technology.  A teen user discusses why Instagram reaps benefits here.

Another blogger shares why she loves Instagram, with reasons ranging from: visual aspects, being social, fun, forgiving, and free, etc.  I do agree with both individuals on certain levels.  Yet, I do not want to take Instagram at face value, pun intended.

Although I personally enjoy Instagram, I know I have posted, or premeditated posts etc. due to its influence.  That is why drawing the distinction between “extremely good” and “sorta good” I would pick sorta.  I think Instagram is fun and can share many aspects of life with those around us in an easy way, but I do think that the pressures and the literal editing of reality only make Instagram partially good. Looking into the future, I would argue that Instagram could be better with better explanation to users before they begin their Instagram journey–therefore they can get a leg up on their literacy, and realize that a filter can sometime have all the power.  I think that users should try to limit their use of Instagram to a comfortable level, where I think that Instagram would pose less of a threat to self-esteem and other negative effects.   I also think that removing Instagram Stories, the 24 hour posts for followers to see, would eliminate some of the pressure without losing all of the new features Instagram has to offer.  I wish there was a clear-cut solution for every user, but to empower ones’ self, we all need to disempower the application.  Instagram leaves behind a warped reality, but if we can get ahead of our comparisons and assumptions, I think it could be much safer and more fun than it is now.