Ries_Blog 5

Blog 5

            To analyze the terms and conditions of a social media platform, I used Instagram – as something that I use more often than others. I will be analyzing the forms as I viewed them, so I will begin with some initial thoughts when finding the terms and conditions themselves. Initially, I searched for the forms on my phone and was able to read through the terms of use. This starts out with a rather harsh introduction of …

“YOU WAVE YOUR RIGHT TO PARTICIPATE IN A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT”

… which is intimidating, to say the least! I was immediately put off but dug deeper into the document to understand how the company wanted to present themselves. Following the immediate reprimand, the document turned to community guidelines and the mission statement of Instagram which is, “to bring you closer to the people and things you love.” There was an immediate change to the more colloquial language and positive messaging that I appreciated more. The company was quick to mention their hope for positive and inclusive environments with a specific emphasis on safety for all users. The front page also made sure to discuss who can use the platform – with the main blocked users being under the age of 13 and convicted sex offenders. To me, there are a few more specifications that could have been made here with people who should not be allowed on the platform with various felonies, known cyberbullying, or others. It seems like there is a bit missing. In addition, there is no mention of how to ensure that profiles are who they say they are – meaning that someone who is a sex offender could still be on the platform using a pseudonym until they are caught. The last piece on the main page focused on content ownership with Instagram claiming the right to show information about someone’s content, and permission to change usernames if they are deemed inappropriate. In the same way, they claim that all rights not expressly mentioned are also reserved for them. All of this was important information to keep on the front and was were the phone version ended.

            Switching to the computer version, there were several more pages of information to scroll through. Some of the important points in general about the writing are that many of the pages had drop-down, simplified questions, or had a short and long version to read through. I think that made the information a lot more accessible than could be otherwise. The menus on the side emphasized different information than I would have expected like abuse, blocking, parental information, reporting, and eating disorders. In some way, I expected much more legal discussion more than information regarding individual use and self-help. Clicking through several of them leads to more discussion regarding the ‘community’ of Instagram, which they seem intent on offering. One section I found interesting was a discussion on nudity. As this has been a topic in the media, I was intrigued to read their official take on the issue. Their statement centered around how full nudity is equitable to a lack of respect and that meant women’s nipples and men and women’s genitalia will be taken down by the company. They did, however, specify that mother’s breastfeeding or paint renditions of either are able to be shared. The company mentions a zero-tolerance policy for violating these guidelines, as well as the immediate take-down of any child nudity for the safety of the children on what could be a dangerous platform.

            Another drop-down menu emphasized eating disorders and messaging for helping those in need. Instagram was intent on asking individuals to not glorify self-injury – as this is known to push others to join in these actions. In a similar manner, the eating disorders menu explained what an eating disorder is, what it can appear like on Instagram, and dos and don’ts. This was a thought process I would not have come up with prior to reading these conditions – I really appreciated that the company is aware of some of the dangers of their platform and working to combat it. The blocking and reporting system was also mentioned repeatedly in different menus when connecting to safety. The repetition was helpful in case someone was only seeking an answer for one thing and would need to know a reporting method. The last main page I scrolled through was the parental guide. I initially went to look because I thought it was a little bit funny but ended up really liking what I found. Instagram made a point to make a specific page not only explaining what the platform is but how to use it, how to talk to teens about using the platform. These are all important pieces of information that could have been indiscernible from simply using the site. A link with a more in-depth guide to the site was shared as well, giving more opportunities for an older generation to work with the company.

            Overall, I was impressed with Instagram. In relating it to our readings, while the company did not specify women and girls in their menus, there were some clear aspects that were mentioned for their safety. As “Instagram and Pinterest [are] the most popular [platforms] used by girls” it is important to keep up to date on the issues and necessary policies for their safety (Veha-Castandeda, and Castaneda, 2019, p. 87). I specifically related to this, as my parents had several conversations with me regarding my use of social media. On the other hand, there are issues that were brought up with “very young girls who get their parents or an older sampling to create accounts for them” which can cause another side of issues in using a platform at too young of an age (Veha-Castandeda, and Castaneda, 2019, p. 88). I think using their voice to display where the company stands is a smart and successful move. I really don’t know if I would have stopped using the platform if I did not like how they presented their terms but with how they were able to emphasize safety and really explain all of their main platform issues, I was impressed. I did not read the terms and conditions when I joined initially, which is odd. My dad is a contract lawyer and, when given a contract in person, I always try to read almost every line. Why is it so much easier to click accept and move on? Even with my nerves, going into this blog, Instagram used accessible language and ease of use to let their audience really understand where the company stands.

           

Vega-Castaneda, L., & Castaneda, M. (2019). Teaching and learning about difference through social media. Women and Girls and Social Media, 86–103. doi: 10.4324/9781351238212