My Thoughts On Buying Instagram Followers

Friday, February 27, 2015




"I would prefer even to fail with honor than win by cheating."-Sophocles

I have been grappling with addressing this topic on my blog for quite awhile, with the only hesitancy being that I would inadvertently offend some of my peers. While I would never resort to calling out individuals who have or are engaging in the act of buying Instagram followers, I want to express my feelings on this pervasive and frustrating trend. 

Let's begin with the underlying issue, which I believe can be attributed to our generation's noticeable lack of self-esteem and incessant need for instant gratification. We seek validation in numbers (likes, comments, and followers), instead of from those who we have deep, meaningful relationships with. I am not immune to this, in fact, I am equally at fault for partially measuring my self-worth by the number of online kudos garnered. 

Regardless of my own insecurities, if you know me, you know that I am a huge proponent for AUTHENTICITY, and will not resort to elevating my social status by buying a bullshit following. 

What's the upside of purchasing followers on Instagram, you ask? Well, I can't seem to figure that out, yet more and more influencers are resorting to these tactics. As a social marketing professional, let me tell you what I do know. It lowers your engagement, adversely affects your self-worth (because you are aware of your dishonesty), makes people question your credibility, and it's VERY obvious. Instagram, brands, and other social tracking platforms are now more aware of this ubiquitous preoccupation and are getting wiser about identifying users who are fabricating their numbers. 

You may think, "Damn. She's just salty." Maybe. Maybe not. What I AM, however; is an advocate for honesty, integrity, and letting one's content speak for itself. 

Thoughts? Give it to me!


9 comments:

  1. I'm with ya. We do live in a world filled with instant gratification. We want things "now" and when it doesn't happen, we get anxious about it.

    I'm against this method of gaining a "following" too. Frankly, I don't even get it. What's the point of having a "high following" if there's no substance behind it? It's sad that people seek out "success" this way.

    xo,
    nancy

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  2. It's all about being FAIR - DEDICATED & AUTHENTIC !!!

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  3. I think this is well said. I can see why it would be tempting to have that right away, or overnight, but I also agree it can hurt your self-esteem a little more knowing you had to "buy" a following. Authenticity online is rare, especially when most Instagram shots are carefully composed and not always an accurate representation of what is going on in real life, but it is refreshing to know there are people out there working hard to build their following on their own. I appreciate you talking about this Alex!

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  4. This article is efficient. Thank you for sharing it with us. I am visiting this blog on a daily basis and I am finding so much helpful article each time. Keep working on this and thank you once again.
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Thank you for peeping SF Shop Girl!

Mucho love,
Alex

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