When social media platforms first started gaining traction, I’m sure no one ever expected that accounts could turn into paying jobs. Now, it’s common practice for brands to work with influencers in these spaces, authentic people who have been able to reach hundreds, thousands, and oftentimes millions of people with purchasing power.
Instagram is deciding to hide ‘like’ counts in a response to mental health concerns about the social and mental implications that have developed from the platform’s existence, but not everyone is okay with it.
Instagram is removing the ‘like’ counts so that users can focus more on connecting and less on the actual number of likes they receive.
Users are still able to see how many people have ‘liked’ their posts, but the number is hidden for followers.
For influencers who built their business accounts based on an attention economy, a.k.a demonstrating to brands that they’re worth reaching consumers based on how many people interact with them, this is scary.
Mikaela Testa is a 19-year-old Instagram model from Australia, and she is very much publically reeling from the news.
She took to Facebook to address her thoughts to her followers.
Mikaela was visibly upset throughout the video, crying, tears leaving stains of foundation streaks down her cheek.
“I just think I’m gonna have a really big break from social media for awhile because it’s really just…,” she said, unable to fully get her words out.
“I know mentally for me Instagram is a problem, and I’ve like, I can’t even like accept that, so I’m just going to leave for, you know, maybe a couple of weeks so I can get back on track.”
In a now-deleted Facebook post, she expressed that she’s put her “blood sweat and tears” into her Instagram page.
She also reiterated that being an influencer is a real job, and that removing likes is harmful for their business.
What do you think about Instagram removing ‘like’ counts? Let us know!
Last Updated on July 26, 2019 by Olivia Nazarewich
