There are many different social media platforms, but recently it seems they are all heading toward offering the same features. From Instagram featuring stories to Twitter adding more live sports, social media platforms keep changing to offer every feature that the others can. This constant flow of changes has brought us to Instagram polls.
Instagram polls are a new feature that allow users to attach polls to their stories and have followers give their feedback. I have seen polls on topics ranging from meal choices to whether or not someone is pretty. From their beginning, I personally thought these polls were a bad idea but other social media users seemed excited about them. Outrage ensued, however, when users found out that their responses were not anonymous.
This is why I believe social media usage is starting to ruin accountability. The fact that users are upset that their ownership of answers was shown is pathetic. People need to learn that they should only voice their opinion on something if they are prepared to take responsibility for it. Why do we feel that once we are on social media we can say whatever we feel and not face repercussions?
While I am glad that users can see who answered what on their polls for accountability's sake, I think the whole idea of Instagram polls is depressing. Why do we need our 900 followers designating choices for us? Since when can a teen go into a doughnut shop and not decide what kind they want to purchase? Have we really become that mindless? Questions of appearance are even worse. What exactly is the point of asking followers what they think of your attractiveness? It is either a result of insecurity or attention-seeking.
Social media users need to re-think how they are using their accounts. They shouldn't be used as a crutch to assist with decision making or confidence levels. Instagram needs to stick with what it was created for, a platform to share pictures with friends. Not an app to dictate decisions. And we, as users, need to rethink our approach to social media. Don't let 900 people you don't know very well make your decisions for you. Take ownership of your life.