Globalization through Instagram

Instagram is a key example of how globalization is connecting the world through media. The effects of globalization through Instagram can be broken up into two categories- cultural and economical. 

With 75% of Instagram users being from outside of the United States, a majority of posts help to expand users’ views of the world. By following someone who lives outside of your area or who travels frequently, you can now see parts of the world that you may not have otherwise experienced through the pictures and videos they share. 

The other way globalization has been seen in Instagram is through the economics within the app. More than 70% of brands are active on Instagram. Companies can pay to have advertisements pop up on users’ feeds, or sponsor influential accounts to use their products and post positively about them, which gives them access to consumers who may not be able to hear about their store based in another part of the world. 

Because of globalization’s influence in media, Instagram serves as a platform accessible to over 86 countries that can be used to broaden people’s view of the world and for companies to advertise their products that extends far beyond geographical location. 

Sources:

Smith, Kit. (2017). 41 Incredible Instagram Statistics. Brandwatch.

Steger, M. B. (2017). Globalization a very short introduction. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Straubhaar, J. D., LaRose, R., & Davenport, L. (2018). Media now: Understanding media, culture, and technology. Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.

Wade, Jessica. (2017). Instagram Statistics 2017. Smart Insights.