I love Instagram. I have learnt so much from it, like concurring my skin woes, Makeup application and products. Since creating my account back in 2012 when I thought “what is this?” Things have changed dramatically. In this post you will read my understanding of Instagram and how to make sure it does not rob you of your life and money. Me included.

Instagram vs reality from a blogger and Influencers perspective

I am a newbie in the world of blogging, and being an Influencer I am seeing Instagram in a new way. The truth behind Instagram photos for Bloggers and Influencers, firstly, the dreaded algorithm, I have read so much about it and rightly so, it is a huge battle, so getting your content out there is harder. There is chatter that iPhone photo’s get shown more on the Explore Page, I can not confirm this, however more experienced Bloggers/Influencers have commented on many Instagram posts I have seen – lol. I laugh because the battle is affecting EVERYONE. Instagram is insistent that it is not happening but we say otherwise.

There are moments when i was getting annoyed because engagement has reduced, however, now i take it as there’s peeks and troughs. I will keep creating and paying it forward (sharing my knowledge) as i enjoy it.

I have noticed a theme with some bloggers and more so with newbies like me. If you do not have a Gucci Double G belt, Gucci loafers, the new “if you are a blogger you should have… thing” or if you are not invited to the lavish holidays campaigns, then I notice they do not get the promotion on the Explore Page. Let me just say that I have no issue with those luxury items, i just think it is sad there are bloggers striving to be seen and may be feeling the need to buy expensive items to achieve that. I read an article about a women who racked up $10k in debt because she felt pressure to show she is living a fake Instagram Life.

“I was shopping…for clothes to take ‘the perfect ’gram”, she told the New York Post.

Although this is an extreme case and it does show the pressure involved when their pockets might be looking like a deserted western with tumble weed rolling through the town. Ok, that was a tad dramatic but seriously. Where did this pressure come from? Is it self-inflicted? Could Influencers, and followers maybe, both, be causing this? Who knows but it is definitely a factor when someone can get in to that amount of debt.

I get it. We want to be seen so our following will grow which means our business will. I read a post by a Influencer, Emma hill, about why she is not striving for likes and I can get what she is saying. Instagram algorithm, and iPhone photos being king can be disheartening so being me and gaining new followers because of that works perfectly for me. I’m here for that.

What I am doing to avoid Instagram’s fake life

On my Instagram all i will be doing is being me; silly, sarky, laugh at my own jokes, Charmain. I will be doing Think Piece posts and sharing what I find interesting. If it means I am talking about War and Peace in one post then my everyday makeup with a bargain concealer or a new leave in conditioner that I can buy from a random hair shop (which is a BIG deal because my disrespectful hair likes expensive products) then so be it.

I say this with the utmost humility, I’m here to help changes lives and when i say that i mean pay it forward; share what i know. A quote i saw in a blog post today said “your whole reason for working and doing business is to change lives” I could not have said it better. Why add to the noise of the world? make changes. Be extraordinary. I’m a woman in her thirties, who’s nearly 6ft (still wears heels), with big ass feet and is a plus size. I got into makeup in my late twenties. I’m pretty much a feminine tomboy. Not to say I’m the only one, trust me, I know loads. I’m hoping I help someone, that may be like me or otherwise. I like to pay it forward and I am willing to adhere to that to the fullest.

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- Instagram Vs Reality - How to avoid it stealing your life [and money]

Conclusion

As much as i have seen the negative side of Instagram. I have also learnt so much, about various things, starting with skincare, what works for my skin and products. I can not tell you how much that has helped me. My high pigmentation, pimples, dryness and flaking is now a thing of the past and i have Instagram to thank for that.

Instagram does have pluses and I am fully aware that the negatives can create anxiety and mental health issues which are now becoming more publicized. It does make me think about the younger generation and Adults too that may be affected by the “Instagram lifestyle”.

Are you a blogger or a “user” of Instagram, do you see the change in the content? Or maybe your thoughts on the Instagram lifestyle. Let me know below? I would love to hear.

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27 Comments

Amber Myers
28th May 2018 / 11:19 pm

I also love Instagram. But I know most of the pictures shown aren’t reality. For example, perfect homes. You know there’s a pile of junk in the corner. 😉 I like all the photos, but I know perfection doesn’t exist and I think some people forget that.

Lauren Curtis
28th May 2018 / 11:42 pm

I have seen the instagram fake life but I didn’t know it was that bad! Thank you for posting as it is a great reminder to not let it engulf you into a trap!

- Charmain
  Author
  29th May 2018 / 3:14 pm
  
  I know, right. The poor lady I read up on getting into huge debt is an eye-opener. It’s good that you’re not apart of that life.
  
This Mum At Home
29th May 2018 / 1:26 pm

Since blogging I have certainly noticed really what peoples content is. I can see a sponsored photo from a mile away now! ITs at times made me question my own Instagram and If Im doing it right!

- Charmain
  Author
  29th May 2018 / 3:13 pm
  
  Totally agree. I”m still learning with Blogging and like you said I question my own content. I’m going to try to stay as organic as possible as i know when sponsors come in, they have requirements but i also want to be true to me.
  
Jenn Pereira
29th May 2018 / 2:43 pm

Checked your Instagram. You have a Nice gallery by the way!

- Charmain
  Author
  29th May 2018 / 10:07 pm
  
  Thank you. Appreciate the comment. 🙂
  
Laurie
29th May 2018 / 4:49 pm

I am a feminine tomboy, too!

I love Instagram but don’t feel the need to spend a ton of money in the hopes of getting “likes”. I share pieces of my life that feel “shareable” (typically food).

Thank you for sharing and keep Insta-ing as you deem fit! 🙂

- Charmain
  Author
  29th May 2018 / 10:06 pm
  
  YAY another one. I get what you mean about sharing the “shareable” parts, that is something i live by. Your comment made me smile.
  
Nisha
30th May 2018 / 12:08 am

I do not spend much time or efforts on Instagram. I do share some stuff with my friends but not for the very sole purpose of getting likes or shares 🙂 thank you for sharing your words

- Charmain
  Author
  30th May 2018 / 8:47 am
  
  That’s the best way to be. And your welcome.
  
Nik
30th May 2018 / 11:45 am

That’s a pretty cool post. Often we get inspired from insta and spends a lot in shopping. Making it in a smarter way is the best option 🙂

- Charmain
  Author
  30th May 2018 / 12:46 pm
  
  Yes, you’re right.
  
Marie Fe
30th May 2018 / 3:34 pm

Haha! I did not know that some people will really spend a lot of money just for instagram likes. I’m also using Instagram but I only upload like most of the places I’ve been. Though I’m minimizing myself not to be in the Photo haha! Thanks for sharing

- Charmain
  Author
  31st May 2018 / 10:19 am
  
  It is crazy and a real eye-opener for me.
  
Meagan Badore
31st May 2018 / 12:22 am

Even though my Instagram was created to promote my handmade business, I put most of my life into my feed because that is who I am. As a blogger, I haven’t really gotten into the influencer thing because I don’t want to get caught up in campaigns that do not fit my lifestyle just to put it out there. It is funny to look at some of those accounts and just know they aren’t really how that person’s life is.

- Charmain
  Author
  31st May 2018 / 10:15 am
  
  I get what you mean, there is a distinct difference between blogging and being an influencer. I am making sure that campaigns i get involved in fits me and stay true to that. I’ve seen the accounts you mean, it is so obvious too lol.
  
Kaitlyn Nicole
31st May 2018 / 12:11 pm

Instagram vs Reality is definitely tough. It is something I struggle with at times… as an adventure and outdoors travel blogger I stress that my life isn’t exciting enough. ALWAYS. haha

- Charmain
  Author
  31st May 2018 / 10:02 pm
  
  i get what you mean. I become more of a homebody, so, i think the same too. I’d rather stay home chilling.
  
LavandaMichelle
31st May 2018 / 5:24 pm

What an insightful post! Instagram is something I used before blogging and I use it now. I think using it solely for money and promotion takes away from why it was created. Thanks for sharing! 🙂

- Charmain
  Author
  31st May 2018 / 10:01 pm
  
  i agree, Insta is still fun to me and i intend on keeping it that way.
  
ohmummymia
1st June 2018 / 8:09 pm

That’s why I’m not the biggest fan of Instagram. So many people believe in everything that they see there

- Charmain
  Author
  4th June 2018 / 9:06 pm
  
  Very true,it’s really sad.
  
Shardan
7th June 2018 / 2:05 pm

You post is really insightful, I learned my lesson years ago about wanting what other people have. Now I budget my spending for everything. I wouldn’t say I don’t like Instagram because I do use it, I just feel it’s misleading a lot of people.

- Charmain
  Author
  11th June 2018 / 7:47 am
  
  I totally agree. It can be misleading. Which is why when I’m not feeling great I say so to some degree anyways. I’ll be putting outtake stuff up to show humility.
  
Inga
29th July 2018 / 12:58 am

Great post. New to Instagram. Just started back in May in hopes of becoming a blogger and maybe an influencer. I am a teacher but want to venture in to other things. But I agree wholeheartedly with you and thank you for saying this because it needs to be said. What you are saying is the very reason I never did it before. I like it, but have to be me. Going to visit your profile. Good luck.

- Charmain
  Author
  30th July 2018 / 6:49 pm
  
  thanks lovely. I appreciate it. It can be a rough road as long as your true to yourself, you’ll be fine. Keep in touch if you can.

Instagram Vs Reality – How to avoid it stealing your life [and money]

Instagram vs reality from a blogger and Influencers perspective

What I am doing to avoid Instagram’s fake life

Shop The Post

Conclusion

27 Comments

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