Instagram

[Vagus]

Could somebody please explain this to me in words of one syllable and as if they were talking to a very, very old person who has no idea what it’s about?
Is it at all like Facebook? (I don’t do facebook)
Are there chat rooms?
Is it nasty?
Why do people use it?
What’s its main purpose?
I’d be very grateful, thank you.

[tiggerblue10]

IG is mainly a platform to upload photos and videos with comments. I dont think theres a word limit as there is with Twitter.

[tiggerblue10]

I've got an account which I rarely use.

[Buenchico]

There are loads of lengthy YouTube videos explaining Instagram (or, at least, attempting to do so) but I've selected a couple of short ones for easier viewing.

This one explains why the site is attractive to (mainly younger) people

[Buenchico]

. . . and this one explains the way that people actually post on it:

[Maydup]

Its not nasty unless you go looking for nasty images.

People post photos and follow friends, or people they admire/interetsted in to see what photos they have posted. Theres an opportunity to add comment but ther is rarely much dialogue.

The instagram account can be private, so only visible to accepted followers, or fully public. Quite often people who use Twitter use it to post and share images.

I'm not so convinced its attractive to mainly young people. Its more about people who prefer a visual form of communication rather than chat. Although people do comment on the images posted, its less chit chatty, and slightly less intrusive than Facebook.

[Smowball]

I have an account I use sometimes. I mainly just post the odd image/GIF/ screenshot I’ve taken from something I like. I never post family pics tho a lot of people do.

[pastafreak]

I don't belong, but I discovered about 2 years ago that it was a way to look at glorious photos of plants, gardens, interiors, places...all rather inspiring if you are looking for ideas.

[Vagus]

Well, thank for everyone’s input but I’m still not sure what it’s all about :/

[Mamyalynne]

Tiggs who was in at first answer said it simplest - it's a video and photo sharing platform.

How individuals view it is up to them, inspirational or aspirational?

Your choice.

[Buenchico]

Just put it down to old age, Vagus ;-)

[Vagus]

Yep, I have Chris :/
Think I’ll leave it alone for now..or forever.