Accountability on Instagram
I talk often about the importance of holding those with a platform accountable on Instagram. What does that really mean, though? How do we even go about it? Public figures have a unique responsibility in how they use their platform. They have a responsibility to you, their audience. This isn’t an opinion. This isn’t a suggestion. It’s a fact. They’ve chosen to show up to a platform in a very public way and if they use their influence to share false information, fear-mongering, or maybe even not taking a stance at all - each of these can have repercussions. If you’re on the fence about whether to unfollow or reach out to some accounts you follow, I’ve made a quick guide so that when I remind you of “accountability,” you understand who I’m talking about and what that looks like on a practical level.
Why Instagram?
When you see a post that has you narrowing your eyes, the kind thing to do has traditionally been to “keep scrolling.” In my opinion, that advice just isn’t applicable for Instagram. Instagram allows you a deeper, behind the scenes look into the daily life of people. It’s more personal than other platforms. Instagram updated the platform within the past couple of years to now allow users to share feed posts within stories. Just a quick refresher: feed posts are permanent and stories disappear after 24 hours. This update made a big difference in how we both share and consume content. For example, since posts can contain up to ten images, each image can be shared into the story, creating a mini-PowerPoint presentation about any topic within someone’s stories. There are entire accounts created just to house these presentations-as-posts for people to share into their stories. This feature goes well beyond Twitter’s “retweet” to provide a richer experience. However, it can also be a dangerous experience as false information and conspiracy theories become a normalized part of the Instagram “aesthetic.” Other platforms just don’t have the capabilities to harbor this sort of “power of sharing.” I think this ultimately comes back to the power of an image. At its core, Instagram is and will always be, all about the image.
Who am I Talking About?
This is an important distinction. Before we jump in to actionable items, we need to know who we’re talking about. I’m not talking about your social circle, your family who hold different beliefs, or even close friends. (Side note: Please, do not sever relationships with the idea that you’re furthering a conversation about accountability). I’m talking specifically about those who are actively trying to grow their online following .
Not sure if someone you follow is trying to grow their following? Here are some tips to help answer that question. If you answer “yes” to two or more of these questions, this is someone who has chosen to have a presence in the online world we live in and keeping them accountable should be welcomed (by both their audience, and themselves).
Do they have their own website/blog?
Do they participate in giveaways?
Do they own a business?
Do they make a profit off of enrolling others into an already existing business platform (MLM)?
Do they make a profit from advertising on Instagram?
Do they have over 1k followers?
Following
The first action item involved with accountability on Instagram is to unfollow. When you hit that follow button, what you’re saying is “I vouch for you.” You’re saying “I support you and am willing to give you more power within this online community.” When someone stumbles onto their profile, it will list your name as someone who follows along, thereby openly lending support to their voice and platform.
When considering whether to follow/unfollow someone, here are some things to consider and questions to ask yourself.
Can I vouch for the them?
Would I recommend their profile to others?
Do I support the things they say on their stories?
Do I support what they say in their captions?
Is this someone you know personally?
Am I comfortable with my name being associated with them?
Sending DMs
Let’s say you’re not ready to unfollow but you’re still concerned about some of the messages, tone, or lack of both they’ve been reflecting in their content. Should you bring it up? How do you even start to bring it up? Personally, if someone who follows along decides to unfollow me, I want to know why. I’ve even reached out asking, because I want to show up for my audience and if someone feels I’ve misrepresented them, I’m open to figuring out where that misrepresentation happened and making sure it wont happen again. (For the record, I wont fight to retain followers since I don’t believe followers don’t equal value - but hey, that’s a different post altogether.) Reaching out via DM is not only okay but should be encouraged. Sending a message to someone you follow and respect (because remember, following = respecting and lending support), shouldn’t feel taboo or unwelcome.
Please keep in mind that when reaching out, there is a wrong way to do this. When sending a DM, here are a couple quick tips to consider.
Keep it short. We’re talking 1-3 sentences.
State your concern simply and without emotionally charged or passive language.
Remind them that you follow along and the message is out of concern and love.
The amount of DMs I immediately have to shut down because they jump past all three of these things is a little shocking. I understand the desire to “state your case,” but if you’re approaching someone you respect, be respectful. It’s that simple. Not sure what an example looks like of an appropriate message to send? I’ve got some for you, below (as in, I’ve sent them to content creators I both love and respect).
“Is that caption something you stand by?”
“I’d like to see more about your thoughts on ________”
“Are you aware of other posts this person/creator has on their feed and what they support?”
“I mean this with love. Please reconsider bringing awareness to that hashtag.”
“Please consider diversifying your feed in both size and skin tone.”
“Is that organization one that you stand behind?”
I see you’ve collaborated with ________. Is this a brand you agree with in regards to their stance on _________?”
Reaching out to influencers, bloggers, and content creators is important work. Don’t discount that work out of a fear of being divisive. Caring for their audience and due diligence is part of the job description of this gig. If someone can’t check those very fundamental boxes, it’s simply not the job for them. Don’t forget: Instagram is owned by Facebook (which we know to be the shadiest of shady), and the algorithm works in a similar way where you may have followed along with someone years ago but haven’t seen their photos or stories in a good while. That’s because the platform stopped showing them to you. That’s intentional. Take time to go familiarize yourself with those you follow. It’s ok to speak up and hold our public figures accountable for their influence. Remember to be clear, kind, and resist the urge to “keep scrolling” when you see something problematic on Instagram.
