Social Media Privacy: The Instagram Edition

Hello everyone, Tracy here, and today we’re going to talk about an increasingly prevalent issue: privacy on social media, with a special focus on Instagram. Instagram, with its 1 billion-plus monthly active users, has become not just a space for posting our best beach vacation photos, but a predominant platform for communication, business, and self-presentation. That said, it is vital to maintain our privacy while also engaging in these online interactions.

Instagram Location Services: The What and Why

Location services allow apps like Instagram to access your device’s GPS to provide services based on where you are. Instagram, in particular, utilizes this feature to add a location-tag to your pictures and stories, attract a local audience, and foster a more connected and informed community.

However, while these features can be handy, they come with their share of privacy concerns. A public location tag might invite unwanted attention or disclose sensitive details about your whereabouts. In an era where our digital footprints can be more telling than our physical ones, turning off Instagram location services can be an additional step towards enhanced privacy.

The Step-wise Guide to Securing Your Instagram

Let’s see how we can disable these location services.

For iPhone Users:

Go to your iPhone settings > Privacy > Location Services.
Scroll down and look for Instagram.
Select the option Never to disallow Instagram from accessing your location.

For Android Users:

Go to your device settings > Location.
Click on App permission > Instagram.
Select the option Deny to prevent Instagram from accessing your location.

How to Disable Location on Individual Instagram Posts:

While creating a post, tap on ‘Add Location’ and then select the ‘Remove Location’ option.

Proactive Measures for Enhanced Instagram Privacy

Proactivity can go a long way in securing your online privacy. It’s about being savvy with your privacy settings, cautious of the information you share, and wise about your online actions.

Consider regularly reviewing and managing your privacy settings, limiting disclosure of personal details, and being strategic about when and where to share locations.

Afterword: A Safer Social Media Journey Starts with Privacy

In recap, you should learn how to disable your device’s location services for Instagram, both on iPhones and Android devices, and how to remove locations on individual posts. However, the journey towards a safer social media experience doesn’t just end there. It continues with an understanding of the potential privacy risks and the ability to navigate online platforms responsibly.

As we persistently adapt to our increasingly digital ways of living and communicating, it becomes essential to develop habits and skills that aid in maintaining our privacy. After all, digital life does not have to come at the cost of our privacy.

As Edward Snowden said, Arguing that you don’t care about the right to privacy because you have nothing to hide is no different than saying you don’t care about free speech because you have nothing to say.

If you have any queries or if there’s any other tech-related topic you’d like me to discuss, feel free to reach me at tracy@valadilene.org. In the meantime, keep your digital self safe!

Author: Tracy at Valadilene.org

References:

1. Instagram Monetization Revenue and Usage Statistics [2021] (BusinessofApps): source
2. Location Services (Apple): source
3. Manage your Android device’s location settings (Google): source