Like for Like

Social Media plays a huge role in today’s society, especially instagram. If we aren’t constantly posting a selfie or stories about what we’re up too on a daily basis then something seems wrong. Your presence on social media has become a necessary piece of everyday life that is either loved or hated. Some people say it’s all just a waste of time and that social media is ruining our lives, while others love the attention it brings. This takes us to the topic of instagram “likes,” posting at a certain time just because we know that’s when it will be seen the most. Posing a certain way, wearing the perfect outfit so you can get enough likes and comments to be “happy” with yourself. Instagram sees that the likes have taken over people’s lives, it’s all some people care about these days. A new instagram feature is being tested in Canada as well as a few other countries and it takes those likes away.
I know it doesn’t seem like much of a topic to write about, but for those who take instagram as serious as I do this is a big deal. Has social media taken over a big part of life, yes. I won’t disagree with that and I also won’t disagree with the fact that at the end of the day likes truly do not matter. Likes are just likes. Comments are just comments. And what really matters are the things that are right in front of us, but it does feel so good to wake up in the morning with a few hundred notification because your post did so well. It also is so much more than just a number.. It might seem like a bad thing to some but for myself I know I love the feeling of trying to get a picture that is better than your last. Getting the angels just right, perfect lighting, aesthetic background, VSCO filter. If you take instagram seriously it’s such a fun journey and the likes are a way to know your giving your followers quality content and exactly what they want.

Whether you’re an instagram influencer or just somebody who loves to create content for the people who follow you, the likes matter and they always will. An Instagram spokesperson said to CNN, “We are testing this because we want your followers to focus on the photos and videos you share, not how many likes they get.” Taking that away is not only hurting the whole vibe of instagram, but it’s also taking away a huge amount of money from the people who use it for work. Businesses are using the app to get exposure for their products just like influencers use it to sell products they collab with. Take Kim Kardashain for example, she not only has multiple business, but she has created a huge social media platform for herself and those businesses. She makes her money by promoting all of those things for us to see. And the likes keep that up, anyone can post about their favorite makeup brand, Kim gets paid for it because she is raking up the likes which helps out not only her companies but everyone single one she is involved with.
Taking away the instagram likes does create many different reactions. Some people are going to be very upset, but it will also create a sense of relief for so many more people. If you aren’t a celebrity, an influencer or just someone who loves to care about your instagram then the likes might make it harder for you to enjoy. Constantly trying to post content that is pleasing for others and not what makes you happy. It sounds silly, but that’s really what happens. So when you take that away those people who might not get as many likes now have the same opportunity as those who do. Just being able to post what interest you without thinking about the likes. Experts called it a “cure-all solution” in the article from CNN business.

Would I be upset if this really does end up happening, absolutely. People work hard to grow their instagram accounts with followers, likes, comments and just keeping the aesthetic the same. It’s a job a hobby and a lifestyle. Taking that away will change up the instagram world forever. Maybe it could be a good thing and something we will all have to get use too. Until then how many likes you get will be essential to everyday lives.
