Instagram is a harmless travel tool. Or is it?
It is no secret that social media is a key influencer in the way we travel. More and more travelers shape their vacations around capturing the perfect picture. Instagram is a primary tool within this process, as it allows people to share snapshots wherever they are. Perfect lighting and appealing aesthetic are often important parts of a destination. While all of the photo sharing and social media connections may seem harmless, there are times when it can negatively affect travel experiences. The word “Instabans” is a recent term that surfaced due to social media's overwhelming presence in the travel world today. This essentially is in response to the harmful effects social media has for vacationers.
How Instabans may affect you.
When traveling, it is important to be very cautious about the way you navigate social media usage. An increasing amount of stories are surfacing regarding the dangers of taking travel selfies. People often put themselves in dangerous situations just for the sake of capturing a cool picture. Clearly, a photo is never worth losing your life. Because of this, certain places have banned taking selfies in precarious settings.
Occasionally, a resort will ban the use of smartphones in certain areas. Some places even offer incentives for putting away the phone. As a counteractive response to the predominant influence on social media within the travel world, certain travel companies have arisen that promote the opposite. These experiences allow people to live fully in the moment, with no time spent trying to capture the perfect snapshot for social media.
Ultimately, social media is not inherently good or bad. It is a useful tool that allows for incredible marketing endeavors and international connections. However, it is always good to maintain awareness about the dangers of granting social media too much power over your travel experience.
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