"Instagram is even more depressing than Facebook, and here's why" reads the title of an article written last year by Jessica Winter and published on Slate Magazine, which caused an online tsunami of reactions both supporting her point of view, or arguing against it - mostly supporting it, even though we all know that there are few things worse than Facebook!
Naturally, focusing too much on other people's lives can distort your vision. One can become so obsessed with this kind of social-surveillance that one forgets to look around and realise that there are plenty of wonderful things going on in our lives as well. The more satisfied and grateful you feel with your own life, the less prone you will be to feel the sting of jealousy and resentment towards others. Also, to avoid losing perspective, one needs to keep in mind that what one gets to see is usually a carefully selected and curated edition of the best things and most extraordinary happenings on other people's lives - which are imperfect in their own particular way, and have highs and lows just like yours.
Furthermore, I do believe that Instagram can be used as yet another tool for self-improvement. Here are some ways in which I find Instagram has contributed to made my life more interesting, along with some ideas that could inspire you as well!
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* Micro-journalling. If you post regularly, Instagram can be a fun way to keep a record of your activities, events and travels. If you are not the kind of person who has the patience and discipline to sit down and write a journal entry, documenting your everyday happenings with candid pictures and shots of things you like can feel like a more relaxed, effortless alternative. I find that looking at the pictures evokes many feelings and specific memories that otherwise would be forgotten. It also works as a reminder that there is plenty in life to be grateful for!
* Meeting other like-minded, interesting people. Just like other social media outlets, Instagram entails the magical principle of allowing you to find and get in contact with people from all over the world, whom you wouldn't have the chance to meet by other means. They become a sort of modern-day pen pals, but one step beyond, having access to updated, almost real time little peeks of their daily life and adventures, making you feel closer by sharing little bits your world with them. Establishing friendships that transcend geographical barriers, who knows, maybe you can visit each other one day and further your friendship beyond the online world!
A sunny day snowboarding in the mountains, one of the favorite activities of Stacie (@staciecarmen), who leads a very idyllic existence in the middle of the most inspiring wilderness.
* Discovering new favourite things. Connected to the point above, if you follow the right people, Instagram is a great way to expand your scope, diversify your taste and discover new things. Your photo feed can bring to your attention lucky finds like a new meal or type of cuisine to try; maybe a new brand of clothing or accessories that complements your style, ideas for places to travel to in your next holidays, or even fitness and health tips... the possibilities are endless.
Food styling by one of my Instagram and blogger friends, the very creative Lisa (@dahllm), who always inspires me to improve my culinary skills.
My blogger friend Elisa, mastermind behind the popular blog styleBizarre has been sparking some serious wanderlust in me with her beautiful captions.
* Getting motivated. It is a well known fact that the people that you surround yourself with have an important influence in the way you see the world and the way you feel about yourself - and the same applies to the virtual world. That is why I like following people who are inspiring, active and have multiple interests: they are the best when it comes to providing much needed motivation to set your own plans in motion and spark new ideas! If they can do it, so can you!
One of my favorite Instagrammers is @phenylalanine, a Swedish artist with a preference for the dark and sophisticated in life; there is always something special to enjoy in her photo stream.
* Exercising your creativity. Both seasoned photographers and beginners can find numerous opportunities to exercise their eye at photography and coming up with imaginative shots and interesting captures. The best photo galleries include not only plain shots of beautiful things, but also creative captures taken from unusual angles, unexpected perspectives or surprising ways to crop or arrange a scene. Sometimes, a familiar subject or object can be shown in a new light just by taking an imaginative shot of it.
Fantastic shot by @berlinstagram, who sets himself apart by having a very sharp talent for finding beauty in the apparently mundane, documenting the true charm of the real Berlin. This, for example, is subway station Gesundbrunnen.
* Making your life cuter. One of the curious things I've found about Instagram is that it acts like a little extra-kick of motivation not only to find beauty in my surroundings, but also to produce it myself. How many of us, regular Instagrammers, tend to “style” our environments, belongings and food, so we can share them with the world? To some people this might sound contrived, but I see it as a fun way to play with your ambiance, allowing you to use your imagination by choosing how to arrange and decorate things. This habit entails the additional benefit of surrounding yourself with visually appealing elements, which can do wonders to improve your mood, so why not indulge in it once in a while?
A moment of relax next to the Baltic Sea, during my trip to Rügen two years ago.
A word of warning:
It is not a competition! Keeping this point in mind is what makes the whole difference between being delighted by the possibility of getting a glimpse of other interesting lifestyles and personalities -enriching your own life experience and knowledge through it- and begrudgingly ogling other people's achievements and circumstances while feeling resentful because you don't have them. There is enough beauty and wonder in the world for everyone! So get your metaphorical slice of the cake and let's enjoy it together.
Don't obsess on making everything “picture perfect”. Not everything needs to be documented, styled or look flawless so you can take a snapshot of it and rejoice by collecting "likes" from your followers. The best shots are spontaneous, and capture the spirit of the moment.
Enjoy the moment and be present! There are few things more irritating than seeing someone who is attending an event that presents an opportunity for a unique, memorable life experience, and witnessing how this person is ignoring the whole thing because he or she is too busy looking at everything through their bloody phone! It is perfectly fine to want to keep some memories or share what you are watching with your virtual peers, but just stop and think for a moment, what would you prefer? Taking pictures where it looks like you had a great time, or actually having the memories and satisfaction of having enjoyed and experienced the moment as it unfolded?
Take your precious snapshots and share them. Then put your phone back in your pocket, relax and enjoy the wonders of life...
The gardens in Potsdam, near Berlin, are very romantic during the summer!
Are you an Instagram addict?
Thanks for reading!
