Insisting on Insta

"Sometimes conceding to society is the only option."

Social media—a force that arguably runs the world.  In the last fifteen years, social media has gone from the occasional MySpace fanatic to a medium used by such a large percentage of the population that several hours without its usage causes many to experience serious separation anxiety.  Though the creation of Facebook was fundamental, it was not long after that social media forms exploded—introducing many new types and revamping the old.  All of these options display slightly distinctive characteristics and make themselves all-too necessary features in our society.  Video chatting, online dating, creating personal profiles—it seems that everything in our lives now has to be posted, tweeted, snapped, pinned, sent, and blogged in order the establish its legitimacy (learn more).

While I, as a functioning human being in society, recognize the necessity of social media, there are times that I question its excess.  For example, upon returning from my mission a year ago, I quickly came to the realization the Instagram was the new thing.  Despite the constant pleas of friends, I stood strong in the stance that I would not set up an account.  Why?  Well, I was afraid that it would be a time-sucker, I felt that everything that I could be posting on the new account could just as easily be displayed on my existing accounts, and a small part of me liked rebelling against society.  When friends tried to convince me otherwise, I remained stubborn.  It took one day of careful persuasion to get me to conform to society.  My friend, Sarah, knew just how to do it.  Rather than convincing me of the benefits, she appealed to my subconscious desires.  She did not tell me to create an account; she spoke to me in a way that allowed me think that it was my own idea.  This is perhaps one of the greatest tactics in coercion—especially when trying to convince someone to overcome pride.  Today, despite my best efforts, I am a faithful Insta user.