As I glance around the high school, I can instantaneously spot students using Apple iPhones, Androids, and their various apps, including one of the most popular social networking apps: Instagram.

Instagram is described as a “fast, beautiful, and fun way to share your photos with friends and family.” A user can snap a photo, choose a filtered background to transform the look of the picture, and then post it to Instagram and other social networking sites. With an app description that claims that Instagram offers “photo sharing — reinvented” and is free and as “easy as pie,” the app may initially seem like a casual, fun way to share your pictures with loved ones.

When I first got my iPhone, I browsed and app store and discovered Instagram, which is represented by an icon of an old-fashioned camera in browns with hints of rainbow-colors. I noticed that the app was growing in popularity, reaching an audience that ranged from my school peers to major Hollywood celebrities. After seeing Instagram’s fun photo filters, I thought I’d download the app to decide if its popularity was deserved
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After trying to create an account and encountering red flags and confusion, I found myself at a loss for how to attract followers or post creative shots.After the initial setup, I had no idea what to Instagram. After a few random outdoor scenes, I found that the app was nowhere near fun nor amusing. Trying to remain optimistic, I kept using the app and posted more photos. However, it seemed as if with every picture I took, the less amusing it became, and soon, Instagram was collecting dust on my phone’s hard drive.

In December, the creators of Instagram decided to amend their system usage. A flurry of angry celebrities flooded their Twitter streams with claims that they would delete their Instagram accounts with the onset of the new year. This prompted me to investigated why Instagram users were so upset, and I soon discovered why. After the changes were instituted, the creators would have complete control over all your pictures through their new privacy clause. Given the new regulations and my increasing boredom, I swiftly deleted my account.

Instagram is not the best app for mindless fun. Users need an eye for photography, as well as creative inspiration for subjects and backgrounds.
While Instagram may have been a good and creative idea in theory – I can appreciate the cutesy backdrops for your photos – it ultimately promotes exclusivity and an outlet for those with a niche for photography.

Though Instagram may be popular at the moment, I doubt it will last long. I respect the entrepreneurial and creative efforts of the Instagram creators, but I cannot get behind it as a must-download app. If I already can take pictures on my camera phone and upload them to Facebook or Twitter, why is a separate account and a separate site necessary?

Downloading this app is a waste of your time, so next time you are browsing the App Store on your iPhone or Android looking for a new app to entertain you, just skip over Instagram. I am happy with my decision to delete Instagram. Yes, it’s popular right now for iPhone and smartphone users, but Instagram strikes me as a fad that will fade faster than scrunchies disappeared with the onset of the ’00s. #