Instagram has lost its soul, according to the founder of the social network

Kevin Systrom, one of Instagram’s co-founders, recently expressed his concerns about the direction the social network has taken in recent years. In an an interview with US tech reporter Cara Swisher, Systrom said Instagram has lost its “soul” and is no longer the platform he helped create.

Systrom founded Instagram in 2010 with Mike Krieger and also created Burbn, a location-sharing service. In the interview, he revealed that he used to go on Instagram to see what his friends and family were up to, but now he only sees creators and brands using the platform to sell products and services and make money.

Instagram has lost its soul

According to Systrom, the problem with Instagram’s business model lies in its focus on ad targeting. While this strategy may be paying off for Meta, Instagram’s parent company, it leaves many regular Instagram users feeling left out. The platform is increasingly geared towards professional creators and companies, leaving little room for the average user.

Instagram’s monetization process has also had unintended consequences. Influencers on the platform live extravagant lives, promoting a lifestyle that many people aspire to but cannot achieve. Systrom notes that Instagram has become a race to the bottom. With users competing to be the most perfect and flawless.

Systrom praised the BeReal platform for trying to save some of what Instagram used to be. BeReal encourages users to post random, unfiltered moments from their day without any preparation, makeup or pre-production. This platform is a response to the growing pressure on Instagram users to present a perfect, curated image of their lives.

It is important to note that Instagram was sold to Facebook in 2012 for $1 billion. Systrom and Krieger stayed on for a while, but eventually left the company in 2018 due to disagreements with Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg.

The influence of social media on our lives is really bad

Systrom’s criticism of Instagram reflects a growing concern about the impact of social media on our lives. Many people feel pressure to present a perfect image of themselves on these platforms, leading to increased anxiety and depression. The rise of influencers has also created unrealistic expectations of what it means to be successful or happy.

Instagram’s focus on monetization has also led to a growing divide between content creators and ordinary users. While influencers on the platform lead lavish lifestyles, many regular users struggle to keep up. This division can lead to unintended social consequences, as Systrom warns.

The BeReal platform is an attempt to address some of these issues. By encouraging users to be more authentic and less filtered. However, it remains to be seen if this platform can compete with Instagram. Which has become a dominant force in the social media landscape. Despite its bad effect on the mental and psychological health of users.

In conclusion, Systrom’s critique of Instagram highlights growing concerns about the impact of social media on our lives. The focus on monetization has led to a platform that is increasingly geared toward influencers and brands. It leaves regular users feeling left out. The rise of influencers has also created unrealistic expectations of what it means to be successful or happy. The BeReal platform is a response to these concerns. But it remains to be seen whether it can really offer an alternative to Instagram’s curated image of perfection. As we move forward, it is important to continue to question the role of social media in our lives and how we can use these platforms in a way that is healthy and authentic.