Here's Why Instagram Is The New Social Superpower

The giant himself.

We live in a busy world where technology seems to be our best ally. Even though we are drowning in social platforms and new apps that are being developed every day, there are a few platforms that remain "Social Superpowers" as I like to call them. In a time when there are hundreds of copies made of a new app every week, some of them hold their own by following some simple rules, mainly one rule: UX. I think the user experience is one of the most important factors in creating anything that is meant to be used by everyone in the world, since ultimately the users have the power to make or break it. 

So in the arena of Twitter and Facebook, comes Instagram. One of the fastest growing giants of them all, with over 400 million monthly users it surpasses even Twitter. So let's get to it, what is this undisputable's giants secret?
The first reason Instagram is so popular is that it's very user friendly. The interface was created for the every day user. The upload process, the profile settings and even following new profiles is easier than ever.
Then there's brand awareness. While we may not like to admit it we are influenced by society and marketing. Recommendations and advertisements play an important factor in our decision making process. We follow what others do and try new things based on what we see.
The 3rd reason is the freedom it provides. No longer are photographers defined by professional camera's and the technical details. With one smartphone users become 21st century photojournalists. Sharing their view of life and stories with their followers, not unlike a photographer does at an art gallery, turning Instagram into their showing room and followers into their captive audience.
The 4th reason are the number of edit settings. No longer do users have to turn to Photoshop or Illustrater to make their pictures perfect. Instagram offers a wide variety of filters as well as individual edit options to fix everything from lighting to contrast. Giving every day people the chance to be recognised among the best.
The 5th reason are the opportunities it creates. With high quality content comes opportunity. Companies often enter partnerships with Instagrammers that have a big following to promote their services or products. Giving marketers access to a new and real audience and Instagrammers the chance to make a living by doing what they love.

So there you have it, Instagram came - gave users what they wanted - and secured it's place among the giants of today's social media platforms.
Geek out!

Valentine's Day Aftermath

Tulips and coffee sound perfect to me.

Well, here it is. Monday morning, the 15th of February, also known as the day after Valentine's day. This day has become one of the most popular and commercially profitable days of the year. Advertisers unite to create some of the most heart warming and tear-jerking commercials, that advertise the importance of getting the perfect gift, making the right restaurant reservation and all the other details that make up the perfect valentine's day celebration. They have infiltrated everything, starting with the flowers and ending with the clothes you wear. 

Now you might say: well wait a minute, aren't you being a bit harsh? Or cynical?
All I can say is, in my eyes this isn't a real holiday. Not in the traditional way at least. It just makes people crazy, puts unwanted pressure on relationships and, with the help of the formerly mentioned advertisers, creates unrealistic expectations.
I mean come on, people nowadays will not be happy with just getting some beautiful flowers unless they have a hidden Tiffany box in the bouquet. Limits have to be pushed and new ones created. What's next? Buying a puppy that delivers the flower bouquet with the hidden Tiffany box?
Celebrating love should be simple, classic and elegant. Not this over the top circus like event. But then again, that's just my opinion. Though, I have to give it up to the marketing world, they sure created a massively productive beast turning Valentine's day into a brand that dominates the film and business industry while taking over the online world for a few days a year.

There are of course the people that chose to celebrate in a more modest way, Netflix and food! Flowers are always welcome of course. Yep, you guessed it, that's how this blogger spent last Sunday and I have to say, it was like a mini vacation and I loved every minute of it. Let me know what your thoughts are on this beloved holiday and how you spent it. Gear up for a new week with some good reading materials and coffee of course. 

Geek out!