Instagram along with Snapchat are probably the most popular social media apps used by teens today. Well not just teens, everyone really.
Instagram allows you to show the world who you are through your pictures.
Typically, a lot of time goes into taking the best picture, then you have to choose the right filter. Once you have the picture, it is time to caption the photo. Once the photo is published it is time to wait for the likes. It takes a lot to show the world who you are!
About a year ago, I started to hear teens in my classroom talk about their “Finsta”. I kept on hearing the term used and had no idea what they were talking about so I asked. The response, “Oh it’s my fake Instagram account.”
I started to ask questions, and what I found out is that many teens have a “Finsta”. It is a private account and usually has a finny or clever username. Finsta accounts are customarily only shared with a small circle of followers (close friends). Some teens have a finsta to hide social media activity from parents. The difference with a Finsta and Rinsta, is that teens usually post silly pictures and inside jokes that aren’t meant to be shared with everyone.
Instagram allows users to have multiple accounts to switch in and out of. Therefore, it is easy to have multiple accounts.
Is it bad that my teen has a finsta?
On the one hand, at least they are aware that they do not want everything shared with everyone. So, it is good that they have that level of awareness. But on the other hand, why do they have to have a fake Instagram identity?
If you are unsure about your teens social media use, ask them. Talk to them, and ask them what they are posting. Also, it is important to have conversations even at younger ages about privacy and what it means to post a picture on any social media platform. The moment any picture or statement is posted, it is public. Even on a private account, all it takes is a screen shot and anything is public.
What conversations do you have with your teens or tweens around social media and privacy? I would love to know!
Much love,
Andrea
P.S. Feel free to follow me on Instagram @theempoweredteen.net
