Instagram

"Instagram has connected me with others and given me a glimpse into people’s lives through their posts. Growing up, my family had strict rules about phone and how they were going to be used. I was not allowed to have social media but I did find a way to have so that I fit in. It quickly became a way to communicate with friends and feel included. Over time, though, Instagram also created pressure to compare myself to others. The platform often presents idealized images of beauty, success, and material possessions, making users feel they must look or live a certain way to fit in. This can lead to body image concerns and unrealistic expectations. With new features like Reels, Instagram now exposes users to even more content, sometimes including disturbing or violent videos. These experiences have shown me both the power and the risks of social media. It’s important to understand the influence Instagram can have on how we see ourselves and the world around us.” 

Madalyn

“I remember when I first got Instagram in 2015, it was simple. You’d post blurry, random moments with funny captions, no pressure or strategy. Your feed was just everyday life: a friend’s cat, a sunset, coffee. Nobody cared about aesthetics or followers; it was about sharing life as it happened. Now, it feels like a performance. People spend hours editing photos, obsessing over likes, and competing over who’s living the best life. I’ve caught myself comparing my “boring” days to others’ highlight reels, feeling behind, and not enough. Instagram used to be messy and real, I miss that honesty.”