How To Be Cool On Instagram According To A Teen

In Jill Walker Rettberg’s Seeing Ourselves Through Technology, we are presented with a dilemma. The dilemma begins by Rettberg arguing that selfies are a form of self-reflection and self-creation (12). While I do agree with the statement and the ideas behind her argument, the application of filters to selfies is a trend that teens now see as faux pas.

I had always used filters on Instagram because I always assumed it was expected. Not only that, but to my understanding, filters are what made Instagram what it is today. The app itself started as a means of simple photo editing on ones phone and has now become a social media cornucopia in of itself. Filters are what set the app apart from beginning, even amongst all of the competition and imitators, Instagram always had the best filters. However, everything has changed, and after reading the above-posted article on Buzzfeed, I knew I had to do some further investigation.

In the article we learn that according to teens (the core subject of our class), there are rules for using Instagram.

• Timing is EVERYTHING.
• Also, don’t post too much.
• BUT if it is a big week in your life, feel free to post more than usual.
• Selfies have STRICT rules.
  • Be “spontaneous and fun.”
  • “Not all the time” aka DO THEM SPARINGLY. “If you think you look good in a selfie fine Instagram it but wait a while before you do it again.”
  • Selfies are “not to be taken seriously.”
  • “Selfies should only be when you have a GOOD one.”
• Filters are for Brita pitchers, not Instagram.

I must point out that this is only the beginning of the list of Instagram rules. Of these rules, what stood out to me the most and had me reflecting on the reading was the fact that teenagers were adamantly against using filters. This was so hard for me to believe that I messaged my boyfriends niece (an 18 year old UCLA freshman) seeking the truth. Upon mentioning the list of Instagram rules to her she knew exactly what I was talking about. She mentioned that using filters is uncool and that any young person knows better. My mind is still recovering from this to be honest with you guys. What is shocking to me the most is that Instagram came out in 2010 and back then I was still a teenager at nineteen.

While I will continue to use filters on my Instagram, it was very interesting having read the Buzzfeed post after having read Rettberg’s work. As someone who posts mostly scenic photos on Instagram (filters included), I will stick to Rettberg’s idea that people subconsciously apply filters that they believe will meet the cultural expectations and norms. That being said, it was my expectation before having read any of this that Instagram was a means of creative expression, not of self reflexion, or even self idolization for that matter.

– Felipe Carbonell