Double-Tap -> Double-Take

Double-tap, scroll, repeat…sound familiar? We all are guilty of staring at our phones to see how many likes our picture-perfect post receives while scrolling through feeds until our fingers hurt. While this has become standard behavior for most of us Instagram users, our habits are about to change. Shocking to most, Instagram is doing away with likes…but not completely. As users will continue to be able to view likes their pictures receive from followers, the number of likes on other's photos will be hidden (you can stop panicking). The update intends to improve mental health, as the social site can lead to feelings of depression and isolation. The hiding of likes has the intentions of fewer users comparing themselves to others while building stronger relationships that aren't based on a post's success.

So, you may be wondering when your feed will change and the digital world won't be solely based on numbers. There is no specific date for this to take on our nation, but there is a chance one of your followers has already been affected. Being able to like photos with the count hidden strives to decrease competition, a topic our society has become dependent on, and create a platform with less pressure and more individuality. Loyal users will be handed the chance to create content with a stronger vision, decreasing anxiety on a post's success, as it won't be ridiculed by a number. A space for conversation will be opened, as comments will become the new likes, as well as the only way to react to a poolside picture or birthday shout-out.

Image Courtesy: Dribble

As this revolution will affect us, daily users, the real toll will be taken on influencers. With the rise of influencers upon us, some have spoken to the change already ranging from cries of outrage to unquestioned support. While some may think this change will affect their brand, success, and instincts, Instagram focuses on reaffirming the shift as a channel for authentic conversation. The company also reassures influencers the switch will depressurize each post without decreasing engagement intensity. This change should not affect the ones who create genuine content, that's genuine and does not rely on the like count for affirmation. While most influencers are open to the idea and interested to see what the future hold, brands are not.

We are all familiar that each replica post of an influencer flaunting Sugar Bear Hair and Fashion Nova are brand deals, simply monetization offered to successful users for social marketing in return. Brands will be forced to revamp how they determine the success of a deal, as not for likes, may the new indicator be comment quantity? It may become difficult for brands to determine the success of an influencer and choose who they create deals with, but thankfully analytics, such as follower count, will still be visible to the public.

While the overall shift of hiding likes from followers may seem drastic, only time will determine its success. Without hiding all analytics and data from all users on the platform, there's no say in how much mental health will benefit. But as of now, we can continue our double-tap and scrolling habits, for all that's missing will be the number of truth.

Strike Out,

Writer: Alyssa Goldman

Editors: Gillian McKendree and Savannah Tindall

Tallahassee