I have been using Instagram for years to share my artwork and personal experiences. However, over time, I have come to realize that Instagram is deeply exploitative and misogynistic. It perpetuates the idea that women's worth is based solely on their physical appearance, and it is not a safe space for women to express themselves freely.
The Ban on Celebrating Women's Sexuality and Physical Beauty
One of the most frustrating things about Instagram is its censorship policies. Women are often banned or their posts are taken down for celebrating their sexuality and physical beauty. This is especially true for women who do not fit into society's narrow definition of beauty standards. Instagram's algorithms and policies are designed to cater to the male gaze and reinforce patriarchal ideas of beauty.
I experienced this firsthand when I posted a photo of myself in a bikini, feeling confident and empowered. The photo was removed by Instagram for violating their community guidelines. The same guidelines that allow for violent, racist, and sexist content to thrive on the platform. It was clear that Instagram's policies were not created to protect women but to cater to the male gaze and reinforce patriarchal ideals.
The Exploitative Nature of Instagram
Furthermore, Instagram is a platform that exploits content creators for profit. While content creators provide the content that drives Instagram's success, the platform does not adequately compensate them for their work. Instagram influencers are often expected to work for free or for minimal compensation, while the platform reaps the financial rewards.
This exploitation is particularly harmful to women, who are already undervalued and underpaid in many industries. Instagram perpetuates the idea that women's work is not valuable, and their contributions are not worth compensating fairly.
The Need for Non-Judgemental Spaces for Women to Express Themselves
Lastly, Instagram is not a safe space for women to express themselves freely. The platform is rife with misogyny, harassment, and abuse. Women are often subject to unsolicited comments, messages, and DMs that are sexually explicit and degrading. This creates a culture where women are objectified and reduced to their physical appearance, rather than their ideas, talents, and accomplishments.
As a woman who has experienced this type of harassment on Instagram, I understand the importance of having non-judgemental spaces for women to express themselves. Women need spaces where they can be themselves without fear of being objectified, sexualized, or harassed.
Women Need to Move to Their Own Web Properties
In conclusion, Instagram is exploitative and deeply misogynistic. It perpetuates the idea that women's worth is based solely on their physical appearance and exploits content creators for profit. Women need non-judgemental spaces to express themselves freely, without fear of harassment or abuse. The only way forward is for women who are content creators on Instagram to move to their own web properties, where they can create spaces that are safe, supportive, and empowering.
As women, we need to reclaim our power and take control of our own narratives. It is time to move away from platforms like Instagram, which perpetuate a harmful and oppressive culture, and towards spaces where we can express ourselves freely and without fear of judgement. We need non-judgmental spaces where we can celebrate our bodies, our talents, and our creativity. And that's where Pro Net Domains comes in. By providing a platform for women to create their own websites, Pro Net Domains is empowering women to take control of their digital presence and create their own safe, supportive communities. So, let's take the first step towards a more equitable and just society by moving our content to our own web properties and supporting platforms like Pro Net Domains that empower women to tell their own stories.