Is getting likes really that important?
Having lots of followers on Instagram may seem like one of the most important things in the world to some people, but to others it’s something that they just don’t care about. I can say that for me, at times, getting lots of likes on a picture on Instagram is important, but at other times it isn’t. I look at Instagram as a way to grow my blog and to reach a different audience so getting likes is really important for me when I’m promoting something on the blog. If it is just a picture with a quote or something cool that has happened in my life, likes isn’t an issue.
However, for some people it is. I know that as a teenager, some need reassurance from their peers to know that they are beautiful. There are many girls out there who won’t feel comfortable in their own skin unless they are constantly getting compliments and likes. For some people, this isn’t an issue because they have self-confidence, but for others, it takes more than reassurance from themselves to think they are fine. Instagram is one way for self-conscious people to be told that they are beautiful, and this stems from likes (fake or real).
Personally, I think Instagram is spilt into three categories; the ones who don’t care, the ones who care too much and the ones who seek fame. People who are desperate for likes and nice comments fall under the ‘care too much’ category. People who don’t really care and just post whatever they want without stressing over how many likes or followers they have fallen under the ‘don’t care’ category. And the people who only care about having the most followers or likes strictly so they can brag about their own popularity fall under the category ‘seeking fame.’
Instagram is fun but there are way too many people online who are so self-absorbed they can’t see anything beyond follower count and like tally. It’s so frustrating looking at people’s accounts and seeing a super high follower count but a low amount of likes (it shows that a lot of the followers are ‘fake’). Instagram is a hub for people who are self-conscious to feel better about themselves based entirely on what other people have to say. I have nothing against people saying nice things, but I do have something against the people who spend their whole life fishing for compliments.
Interesting points made!! And can see both sides. My children are too young to be on it so no need to worry as yet but for me it’s just another way to communicate and interact and like Facebook, Twitter etc parents need to be aware of the behaviour of their chdren on these forums regardless. I like peeps posts if it makes me laugh or think that the quote is what I value as a person or simply to support those who have businesses and are attached to Instagram. There are a lot of self absorbed people that are seeking reassurance but it’s the followers & likers that control that persons ego too.
I love the points you made Dotti about liking peoples posts that make you laugh or are supporting a business. Both hold strong with me also. As a parent, it is smart to know what is out there in regards to apps and how they work as time goes by so quickly, and before you know it, they will know more than you. There are many days where I feel some of my children are running too far ahead of me and I need to sprint to catch up. It’s exhausting.
Great advice