I’m on the couch, watching TV, but I couldn’t tell you what’s playing. I have no clue what’s been said or done during the show because the entire time it’s been on, I’ve been browsing throughInstagram.
Apparently I’m not alone. At last public count, Instagram users numbered over 5 million and it continues to grow every day. But what is it about this app that sets it over the top? Why do we see applications onother platformsthat have the sole purpose of letting you view Instagram photos? What’s so important that we have toprint out these photosonto postcards?
There’s no short answer to these questions, and Master’s Cantidate at Cambridge UniversityZachary McCuneknows that better than just about anyone. Over four months of work has gone into McCune’s 80-page dissertation in which he examines the ins and outs of what makes Instagram the whole of what it has become.
McCune spent time at a London Instagram meetup, as well as examining the behavior of people who use the app. What he found is, in some cases not at all surprising, but in others almost shocking. Here are a few of the high-level points of his study’s findings:
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McCune notes in his findings that people often share photos on Instagram for the very same reasons that they do otherwise — to share in experiences with others. However, that “instant society” justification of their work continues to be a strong force in the app’s adoption and widespread use.
McCune’s findings are pared down in a 5-page executive summary which I’ve embedded here. For the full, 80-page report plus a bit of insight from McCune himself, hit up hisportfolio site.
Consumer Production in Social Media Networks: Executive Summary
Story byBrad McCarty
A music and tech junkie who calls Nashville home, Brad is the Director TNW Academy. You can follow him on Twitter @BradMcCarty.(show all)A music and tech junkie who calls Nashville home, Brad is the DirectorTNW Academy. You can follow him on Twitter@BradMcCarty.
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