User Interface (UI)
Pinterest is a user-led site that can display a vast variety of content for each user. Whether on the mobile or desktop version, the user will see a home page with recommended content and a search bar on the home page, with buttons to click to get to “explore” and “create” tabs. There is another tab to access your boards, which are collections of content that the user creates for their own profile. The algorithm is heavily catered to the user’s history, and the app includes suggestions of categories to filter the home page, which helps users find specific pins they may need. The app is designed in a way to where the possibilities are endless, making it engaging for people with many intentions within the app.
User Experience (UX)
Pinterest is one of the few social media apps that feels mostly disconnected from people. There is less of a focus on interacting with followers, like on TikTok or Instagram, so it can feel like a bit of an escape from the business of social media. Depending on its use, Pinterest can be productive for work purposes, or just for enjoyment. Many young users use Pinterest to look at pictures that are aesthetically pleasing and that may be a glorified version of their own interests or lifestyle. It can be harmful in that it can create an unrealistic idea of what life looks like, but it can also evoke a really positive feeling. The first time I personally used Pinterest was when my therapist in middle school wanted me to look at pictures of things that I like when I felt anxious. It became a space for a reminder of things that made me feel good, which greatly helped me to disconnect from the stress felt in the world. There has been an increase in the amount of ads shown on the feed, which is a reinforcement of the society we live in, but I find that our brains typically tune out ads as they pop up on our social media anyway. Overall, Pinterest is a very appealing app to use and appears more personal than most social apps may feel.
How Pinterest Might Impact or Support Digital Wellness
Building on the feelings from UI, Pinterest overall is an excellent app to support Digital Wellness, if used properly. It can be a great platform to explore interests and find inspiration in a visually pleasing way. However, if used to compare lives or to take in content that is harmful to the user, Digital Wellness may not be properly supported.The app is generally set up to support Digital Wellness, as opposed to TikTok and Instagram, but also can have its negative features. It’s important to show our students that using this resource can be an extremely positive tool if used with intention and care.
Accessibility of Pinterest
Since Pinterest is a primarily photo-oriented app, it can initially seem quite inaccessible. However, it is compatible with screen reabhjfl dajvkders, and settings such as contrast and text size can be altered to help with those who need accommodations. It also has lots of content for how to support families or students with impairments that may affect the use of Pinterest. Pinterst has recently created many accommodations to make the experience for those that are visually impaired or deaf just as enjoyable.
How Can Being Aware of Digital Design and Digital Wellness Could Benefit Me as a Teacher?
As a future teacher, I have seen how technology has been more integrated into schools in the last few years. Instead of resisting it, it is important to learn about the resources available and how to reflect on them. Being aware of Digital Design and Digital Welleness will help insitll confidence in me as I create uses for the platforms that I do integrate in my classroom.