This project was so well done and well written, both in the content and the format that you chose. When introduced to StoryMaps, I assumed that one would have to use a map, but you used it in almost the form of a website. However, you made it different in the way to navigate it through both scrolling and clicking on both sections. This made it an easy transition, but also in going back and forth. Plus, the pictures, video, and timeline complimented the information well and gave context in a better way than simply just using text.
As for the content, I found that the privacy issues found on social media like Instagram to be a relevant topic. There was an abundant amount of background information on what Instagram is and then going into how our information is tracked, and usually without our entire knowledge. I knew that Instagram tracked certain searches, but I had no idea to the degree in which they were doing it. My favorite parts were when you stated the goals of the project and the very end where you detailed what we could do it about it. I felt it gave the reader a clear idea of what to expect, which you followed through on, and helped understand options we had with the knowledge we just learned about.
What an interesting topic for this class! I am definitely one of those people who hears the term “the algorithm” a lot but doesn’t really know too much about the fine details. Your project did an excellent job of clarifying the mechanism by which Instagram finds relevant information to appeal to individual users. I’m also glad that you brought up questions about privacy and data tracking. These issues apply so well to our class discussion with Richard Miller.
In terms of the layout of your project, I really enjoyed your use of ArcGIS. The presentation felt very professional. I love how the text of your project was presented on one page, but there were individual tabs that you could click on to navigate you to different parts of the page. Personally, I prefer this layout much more than getting taken to a different page each time you click on a tab. I also liked your use of visuals throughout the paper. I was a huge fan of the way you had an image on the right side of the screen and the text on the left side. I loved seeing a new image every time I scrolled to a new section.
Side note, I liked your use of the timeline in the “First Off, What is Instagram?” section. This was the perfect place to make use of this alternative visual format. It was also fun to explore that infographic that you included in this section as well.
I also found myself revisiting some of the themes that we discussed throughout the semester. Most notably, is the algorithm of Instagram a gatekeeper? I think this question was brought up to my group during our roundtable discussion, but it also applies so well to your project. At first when considering this question, I wasn’t too sure of whether we could consider something non-human to be a gatekeeper. However, your project has really changed my thoughts on this topic.
Fantastic job! I’ve been using Instagram for years and am on it pretty frequently, so it was easy for me to connect to your material. I was aware of Instagram’s algorithm prior to viewing your project, and I do admit that I am like most and accept this invasion of privacy because I just want to use their product. It’s crazy to think that Instagram switched feeds from being chronological to algorithmic in 2016. I personally was not a fan of this change, but continued using the app regularly. I have grown to like having an explore page because I go to Instagram to take my mind off things and be entertained (like most) and I often get posts of cute puppies, baby ducks, dance videos, art, and pictures from my favorite TV shows/movies, which I like a lot. I’m not sure if most people do this, but when scrolling through Instagram, I tend to keep the algorithm in mind. Knowing that Instagram will give me more videos/posts of things I like, I make a mental note to like these over others and scroll quickly past posts that I’m not a fan of, especially if I’m seeing a lot of them in my feed. Instagram reels even has a button you can press that’s labeled “Not Interested” in red to further inform the algorithm of the app. Nevertheless, I know many people don’t think this way, which can lead to Instagram, as you noted, giving people posts of bodybuilders and models with perfect physiques. Instead of looking away or unfollowing these accounts, many tend to look further out of intrigue and often envy (I’m guilty of this as well, as most people are). Besides informing the public, as you note in the section “So What Should We Do With This Information”, I’m curious to see what other solutions you think could help and what other sources suggest as well. Should Instagram remove the algorithm entirely? Should Democrats’ suggestion to increase natural stopping points on the app be pushed? I’d love to hear more about your thoughts and personal experience with the app that led you to explore the topic in such depth.
Otherwise, I loved how you led viewers through your topic instead of solely throwing information at them. Including the audience through the use of “we” helped to engage viewers. I enjoyed the different media you included within your site. For instance, the Black Mirror episode, “Nosedive” (one of my favorites by the way) was a fantastic example to include since emphasized the prevalence of the social media epidemic and its consequences. I think it might be helpful to enlarge the images you included though because the text within them was a bit difficult to read. Lastly, I’m not sure if this was intentional, but I loved how you were given the option to scroll through your site from one section to the next instead of just clicking through headings. Using this format created a parallel with Instagram’s controversial scrolling feature. For those who aren’t very familiar with Instagram, being able to scroll through your project demonstrated how easy it is to get caught up in moving from one post to the next. Amazing work overall!
Hey Khushboo, I tried clicking on your link but I do not have access to story maps. I think the issue is on my end since everyone else can view it. From what Ive seen in class with ARCGIS, I am sure your map was really interactive.
Based on other comments, I am assuming that you talk about instagrams algorithm and its invasion of privacy. This topic always intrigued me, not just with instagram. platforms like Instagram and Facebook have a section where you can buy and sell things. It is crazy how the suggestions are always something that I need or have talked about. In addition, the explore page of instagram and the FYP of tiki’s Tok monitors what we like and don’t like. This way, the algorithm caters to our needs. It is crazy how we fight for our privacy but also allow algorithms to monitor us for specific needs.
I thought your project was very interesting! I agree with your statement that many of the people who use Instagram, myself included, know very little how the platform actually works. My brother worked in the “data-mining” field of computer science for a bit, and even then I never fully grasped the amount of personal data social media companies collect. I found your project to have my expanded my knowledge about the topic immensely.
I was particularly interested in reading about how users activity outside of Instagram can even have impact on what the platform’s algorithms show you. I have noticed Instagram ads and promotions being a little too accurate for comfort in the past, but never took the time out to investigate further. For example, a few weeks ago my girlfriend and I were talking about the Peanuts character snoopy and then a few hours later I received an Instagram ad for a snoopy plush. Learning more about how your off platform behavior is being monitored was fascinating.
I also really liked your “So What Should We Do With This Information?” section. I find that too often the conversation is focused on all the negative details of social media use but does not highlight a way to move forward. I was inspired by your point that if enough of the public has the knowledge and desire for change, change will ensue. I agree, and I believe more pressure should be put on regulators to make sure transparent and ethical behavior by social media companies is undertaken.
I really enjoyed your project. It was so interesting to read!
In terms of format, I really liked how you were able to use story maps. It came out really cool and visually appealing. I liked that all you have to do is scroll to get to each section. Also, the hyperlinks were well placed and helped with my understanding.
I really like the Instagram timeline. It made its history easy to understand and visualize. Your section on tracking is scary. Instagram tracks everything you do just to give you “relevant” ads. Basically, a computer is making an online persona of you. That seems strange. I don’t know how I feel about accepting the lack of privacy. You did bring up a good point. We are trusting these third party sites with our information. What if they get hacked or bought?
I also really liked how you included the Black Mirror video. I remember seeing that and thinking that it was so strange. I can only hope that we aren’t headed in that direction. I also like your section on the algorithm. I feel like I only have to click on something once for it to continue to come up over and over again. And it’s even harder to stop seeing something.
Overall, you made a really great project.
Hey Khushboo! I want to say thank you for researching Instagram specifically.
On a greater scale, this class has made me rethink how I use social media and whether I “need” it the way I think I sometimes do. Before this semester, I used Instagram too much for even my own liking–I don’t even post regularly, just like and share things. I have been more mindful of the way I use the platform and have set limits for myself as of late. This is all to say, your topic is especially relevant to me personally. I think further reading into your research and the sources you have provided might just be the final kick for me to delete the app–though I think I will keep my accounts open for memories sake.
I really like the format of your project. The transitions to each section flow naturally and it is very engaging. I like the topic of Instagram because I use it a lot. I also like the timeline that you gave of Instagram’s history because it is very informative of Instagram’s past. I also like that you gave goals of what you want to do with is the project. It gives me a sense of what you are going to talk about in this project. I did not know Instagram tracks users like Facebook. It is very alarming that there can be little done to stop this tracking besides deleting the app. I also like that you talked about privacy in today’s age. Is privacy still a thing? Can we do something and know that we aren’t being tracked? These are questions that I ask myself and sometimes it can be scary how much social media can track what you do. I believe that the more people that are aware of this information, the smarter we can be with our online presence.
This topic is relevant because all of us have Instagram or have had it at some point. I like that the story map you made lets the reader scroll through or click on the tabs to choose which section to read. Also, I liked that you made the quotes bigger and changed the font, making them more impactful. I have noticed that if I’m talking about something or if I search something up, advertisements for that same thing pops up on Instagram, which is freaky. You went in depth with what information they use to make these adjustments and make Instagram personalized for you. This is concerning since they use a lot of information without our knowledge. I really liked the background of the title with the curtain. It makes it look like you are taking the reader behind the scenes to show what Instagram is doing. Overall, your project was very well done and you used the story map format well.
I found your project kind of funny because it encompassed a lot of topics I have covered in previous writing classes. I actually wrote a research paper on Black Mirror’s Nosedive episode and how it put people’s right to privacy in question. Additionally, last semester I also wrote a research paper on Instagram’s algorithm that draws data from your every click or online search to personalize recommendations for you. I agree with the conclusion you drew from your research. No matter what happens in terms of limiting platforms and their access to user data, it is crucial that people understand and are aware of the lack of privacy when choosing to engage on such platforms. It Is a sad reality but true privacy is virtually nonexistent in this digital age.
I loved the use of a story map. I also used one for my project because I liked the interface, and I thought it was very interesting to see all the other features the site offers through your project.
I’m sorry to say but I can not access your project and am having a hard time remembering the specificities of your presentation. I would love to comment on it when I am able to open up your project to take a better look at it.
Khushboo,
I really resonated with your project, mainly because I stopped using Instagram prior to entering college because of many of the reasons you referenced. I felt a sense of validation, almost that I wasn’t crazy or absurd for leaving the most popular social media networking site amongst our generation. I genuinely felt a lot happier without feeling the Instagram-induced FOMO, and it was great to stop comparing myself with the idealized version of themselves that people posted on their accounts. I liked how you referred to this in the “What About That Algorithm” section because I think that plays a role in why some people struggle with coping with social media. I found it interesting that you cited a source that spoke about how it was catching the attention of politicians, and that “Democrats have a new draft framework for privacy legislation [which would require] social media platforms to include “natural stopping points” for users, which would basically end scrolling after a certain amount of content”.Reading this made me a bit optimistic that change would be able to happen, but I’m not sure how effective the government would be in policing the behavior and policies of Big Tech companies, especially since Instagram is owned by Facebook.
This project was so well done and well written, both in the content and the format that you chose. When introduced to StoryMaps, I assumed that one would have to use a map, but you used it in almost the form of a website. However, you made it different in the way to navigate it through both scrolling and clicking on both sections. This made it an easy transition, but also in going back and forth. Plus, the pictures, video, and timeline complimented the information well and gave context in a better way than simply just using text.
As for the content, I found that the privacy issues found on social media like Instagram to be a relevant topic. There was an abundant amount of background information on what Instagram is and then going into how our information is tracked, and usually without our entire knowledge. I knew that Instagram tracked certain searches, but I had no idea to the degree in which they were doing it. My favorite parts were when you stated the goals of the project and the very end where you detailed what we could do it about it. I felt it gave the reader a clear idea of what to expect, which you followed through on, and helped understand options we had with the knowledge we just learned about.
What an interesting topic for this class! I am definitely one of those people who hears the term “the algorithm” a lot but doesn’t really know too much about the fine details. Your project did an excellent job of clarifying the mechanism by which Instagram finds relevant information to appeal to individual users. I’m also glad that you brought up questions about privacy and data tracking. These issues apply so well to our class discussion with Richard Miller.
In terms of the layout of your project, I really enjoyed your use of ArcGIS. The presentation felt very professional. I love how the text of your project was presented on one page, but there were individual tabs that you could click on to navigate you to different parts of the page. Personally, I prefer this layout much more than getting taken to a different page each time you click on a tab. I also liked your use of visuals throughout the paper. I was a huge fan of the way you had an image on the right side of the screen and the text on the left side. I loved seeing a new image every time I scrolled to a new section.
Side note, I liked your use of the timeline in the “First Off, What is Instagram?” section. This was the perfect place to make use of this alternative visual format. It was also fun to explore that infographic that you included in this section as well.
I also found myself revisiting some of the themes that we discussed throughout the semester. Most notably, is the algorithm of Instagram a gatekeeper? I think this question was brought up to my group during our roundtable discussion, but it also applies so well to your project. At first when considering this question, I wasn’t too sure of whether we could consider something non-human to be a gatekeeper. However, your project has really changed my thoughts on this topic.
Hey Khushboo,
Fantastic job! I’ve been using Instagram for years and am on it pretty frequently, so it was easy for me to connect to your material. I was aware of Instagram’s algorithm prior to viewing your project, and I do admit that I am like most and accept this invasion of privacy because I just want to use their product. It’s crazy to think that Instagram switched feeds from being chronological to algorithmic in 2016. I personally was not a fan of this change, but continued using the app regularly. I have grown to like having an explore page because I go to Instagram to take my mind off things and be entertained (like most) and I often get posts of cute puppies, baby ducks, dance videos, art, and pictures from my favorite TV shows/movies, which I like a lot. I’m not sure if most people do this, but when scrolling through Instagram, I tend to keep the algorithm in mind. Knowing that Instagram will give me more videos/posts of things I like, I make a mental note to like these over others and scroll quickly past posts that I’m not a fan of, especially if I’m seeing a lot of them in my feed. Instagram reels even has a button you can press that’s labeled “Not Interested” in red to further inform the algorithm of the app. Nevertheless, I know many people don’t think this way, which can lead to Instagram, as you noted, giving people posts of bodybuilders and models with perfect physiques. Instead of looking away or unfollowing these accounts, many tend to look further out of intrigue and often envy (I’m guilty of this as well, as most people are). Besides informing the public, as you note in the section “So What Should We Do With This Information”, I’m curious to see what other solutions you think could help and what other sources suggest as well. Should Instagram remove the algorithm entirely? Should Democrats’ suggestion to increase natural stopping points on the app be pushed? I’d love to hear more about your thoughts and personal experience with the app that led you to explore the topic in such depth.
Otherwise, I loved how you led viewers through your topic instead of solely throwing information at them. Including the audience through the use of “we” helped to engage viewers. I enjoyed the different media you included within your site. For instance, the Black Mirror episode, “Nosedive” (one of my favorites by the way) was a fantastic example to include since emphasized the prevalence of the social media epidemic and its consequences. I think it might be helpful to enlarge the images you included though because the text within them was a bit difficult to read. Lastly, I’m not sure if this was intentional, but I loved how you were given the option to scroll through your site from one section to the next instead of just clicking through headings. Using this format created a parallel with Instagram’s controversial scrolling feature. For those who aren’t very familiar with Instagram, being able to scroll through your project demonstrated how easy it is to get caught up in moving from one post to the next. Amazing work overall!
Hey Khushboo, I tried clicking on your link but I do not have access to story maps. I think the issue is on my end since everyone else can view it. From what Ive seen in class with ARCGIS, I am sure your map was really interactive.
Based on other comments, I am assuming that you talk about instagrams algorithm and its invasion of privacy. This topic always intrigued me, not just with instagram. platforms like Instagram and Facebook have a section where you can buy and sell things. It is crazy how the suggestions are always something that I need or have talked about. In addition, the explore page of instagram and the FYP of tiki’s Tok monitors what we like and don’t like. This way, the algorithm caters to our needs. It is crazy how we fight for our privacy but also allow algorithms to monitor us for specific needs.
Hi Khushboo,
I thought your project was very interesting! I agree with your statement that many of the people who use Instagram, myself included, know very little how the platform actually works. My brother worked in the “data-mining” field of computer science for a bit, and even then I never fully grasped the amount of personal data social media companies collect. I found your project to have my expanded my knowledge about the topic immensely.
I was particularly interested in reading about how users activity outside of Instagram can even have impact on what the platform’s algorithms show you. I have noticed Instagram ads and promotions being a little too accurate for comfort in the past, but never took the time out to investigate further. For example, a few weeks ago my girlfriend and I were talking about the Peanuts character snoopy and then a few hours later I received an Instagram ad for a snoopy plush. Learning more about how your off platform behavior is being monitored was fascinating.
I also really liked your “So What Should We Do With This Information?” section. I find that too often the conversation is focused on all the negative details of social media use but does not highlight a way to move forward. I was inspired by your point that if enough of the public has the knowledge and desire for change, change will ensue. I agree, and I believe more pressure should be put on regulators to make sure transparent and ethical behavior by social media companies is undertaken.
Hi Khushboo,
I really enjoyed your project. It was so interesting to read!
In terms of format, I really liked how you were able to use story maps. It came out really cool and visually appealing. I liked that all you have to do is scroll to get to each section. Also, the hyperlinks were well placed and helped with my understanding.
I really like the Instagram timeline. It made its history easy to understand and visualize. Your section on tracking is scary. Instagram tracks everything you do just to give you “relevant” ads. Basically, a computer is making an online persona of you. That seems strange. I don’t know how I feel about accepting the lack of privacy. You did bring up a good point. We are trusting these third party sites with our information. What if they get hacked or bought?
I also really liked how you included the Black Mirror video. I remember seeing that and thinking that it was so strange. I can only hope that we aren’t headed in that direction. I also like your section on the algorithm. I feel like I only have to click on something once for it to continue to come up over and over again. And it’s even harder to stop seeing something.
Overall, you made a really great project.
Hey Khushboo! I want to say thank you for researching Instagram specifically.
On a greater scale, this class has made me rethink how I use social media and whether I “need” it the way I think I sometimes do. Before this semester, I used Instagram too much for even my own liking–I don’t even post regularly, just like and share things. I have been more mindful of the way I use the platform and have set limits for myself as of late. This is all to say, your topic is especially relevant to me personally. I think further reading into your research and the sources you have provided might just be the final kick for me to delete the app–though I think I will keep my accounts open for memories sake.
I really like the format of your project. The transitions to each section flow naturally and it is very engaging. I like the topic of Instagram because I use it a lot. I also like the timeline that you gave of Instagram’s history because it is very informative of Instagram’s past. I also like that you gave goals of what you want to do with is the project. It gives me a sense of what you are going to talk about in this project. I did not know Instagram tracks users like Facebook. It is very alarming that there can be little done to stop this tracking besides deleting the app. I also like that you talked about privacy in today’s age. Is privacy still a thing? Can we do something and know that we aren’t being tracked? These are questions that I ask myself and sometimes it can be scary how much social media can track what you do. I believe that the more people that are aware of this information, the smarter we can be with our online presence.
This topic is relevant because all of us have Instagram or have had it at some point. I like that the story map you made lets the reader scroll through or click on the tabs to choose which section to read. Also, I liked that you made the quotes bigger and changed the font, making them more impactful. I have noticed that if I’m talking about something or if I search something up, advertisements for that same thing pops up on Instagram, which is freaky. You went in depth with what information they use to make these adjustments and make Instagram personalized for you. This is concerning since they use a lot of information without our knowledge. I really liked the background of the title with the curtain. It makes it look like you are taking the reader behind the scenes to show what Instagram is doing. Overall, your project was very well done and you used the story map format well.
Khushboo,
I found your project kind of funny because it encompassed a lot of topics I have covered in previous writing classes. I actually wrote a research paper on Black Mirror’s Nosedive episode and how it put people’s right to privacy in question. Additionally, last semester I also wrote a research paper on Instagram’s algorithm that draws data from your every click or online search to personalize recommendations for you. I agree with the conclusion you drew from your research. No matter what happens in terms of limiting platforms and their access to user data, it is crucial that people understand and are aware of the lack of privacy when choosing to engage on such platforms. It Is a sad reality but true privacy is virtually nonexistent in this digital age.
I loved the use of a story map. I also used one for my project because I liked the interface, and I thought it was very interesting to see all the other features the site offers through your project.
Hey Khushboo,
I’m sorry to say but I can not access your project and am having a hard time remembering the specificities of your presentation. I would love to comment on it when I am able to open up your project to take a better look at it.
Khushboo,
I really resonated with your project, mainly because I stopped using Instagram prior to entering college because of many of the reasons you referenced. I felt a sense of validation, almost that I wasn’t crazy or absurd for leaving the most popular social media networking site amongst our generation. I genuinely felt a lot happier without feeling the Instagram-induced FOMO, and it was great to stop comparing myself with the idealized version of themselves that people posted on their accounts. I liked how you referred to this in the “What About That Algorithm” section because I think that plays a role in why some people struggle with coping with social media. I found it interesting that you cited a source that spoke about how it was catching the attention of politicians, and that “Democrats have a new draft framework for privacy legislation [which would require] social media platforms to include “natural stopping points” for users, which would basically end scrolling after a certain amount of content”.Reading this made me a bit optimistic that change would be able to happen, but I’m not sure how effective the government would be in policing the behavior and policies of Big Tech companies, especially since Instagram is owned by Facebook.