Picture Yourself Using Social Media, Pt. 1: Instagram

While writing an email a while ago, I mentioned to my niece that I was going to attach five or six photos to send to a friend. She looked at me like I had told her I was born on Mars. “That’s old school,” she piped up after thinking it over a bit. “Why don’t you just use Instagram?”

I’m sure by now you’ve had similar conversations about social media apps with younger members of your family. They can’t believe we still function without them—and we can’t really understand what all the fuss is about.

Well, guess what? There’s nothing difficult or mysterious about using social media—in fact, there’s a lot about it that’s really fun, and convenient. If you want to stay in touch with your kids, grandkids, nieces, and nephews, it’s practically a necessity. They use apps like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram the same way we used postcards and passed notes back in our day.

My niece was right. I started using Instagram, and it’s made sharing photos so much easier. So this week, I’ve decided to pass along a few tips about how and why you might enjoy it, too.  It’s a photo and video sharing social media app that works sort of like Facebook, but instead of sharing words, you just share images. It’s a digital photo album you can share with anyone or add to anytime you want.

Instagram is really simple to use. You download it from your smartphone’s app store (it’s available for both Android and iPhone). Once you open it, it connects directly to your phone’s camera and photo gallery, so with the click of a button you can either take a photo, or select an existing one.  And just like that, you’ve got a picture to share.

You can share photos with people whom you specifically choose. Best of all, you can categorize photos using “hashtags,” which you create by putting the # symbol before a keyword. For example, I’ll mark my photos with the tag “#ThomasFamily” so members of my family on Instagram can search for them. Marking your photos with consistent hashtags is an easy way to keep them organized.

Another unique feature with Instagram is the ability to edit your photos. You can apply and adjust “filters” to change the coloring, lighting, and even the whole mood of the image. You can convert color photos to black-and-white, or add a sepia-tone filter to give it a vintage feel.

With hundreds of millions of users, Instagram is also a pretty neat way to view interesting photographs. You’ll see posts from professionals, amateurs, businesses, and celebrities—it seems like everyone is doing it! You’ll find just about any person, place or subject you can think of here.

You’re now well on your way to surprising the younger set by becoming social media savvy—you certainly won’t be left in the dark the next time you hear your kids, or grandkids, talking about Instagram! In my next post, I’ll tell you about Snapchat, another photo and video sharing app, but one that comes with a neat twist. Until then, don’t be afraid to be social!

10 Thoughts on "Picture Yourself Using Social Media, Pt. 1: Instagram"

  1. R. D. says

    ALL the folks at C.C. are terrific, helpful, and ultra-professional. I had a problem, and Sarah and Michelle from billing were extremely helpful, kind and patient, as well as Kristen, Connie and Cheryl. (Yeah: I spent a lot of time on the phone resolving a problem. The problem was RESOLVED, though, to my complete satisfaction.) Thank you, Consumer Cellular!

    • Ashley at Consumer Cellular says

      That’s great to hear, R.D., and I will be sure to pass your kind words on the employees you identified and their supervisors. We really appreciate you taking the time to tell us about your experience! Thank you for posting, and we hope you have a great day!

  2. Mike L says

    I had been putting off changing cell phone provider for too long until I got my last bill. I recently signed on with Consumer Cellular and opted for the Doro …My age related hearing problem was helped with this phone. I couldn’t adjust my old one. I couldn’t be more satisfied. This is a remarkable phone and I save 50 bucks a month, from my usual cell bill. Thank you, Consumer Cellular….

    • Ashley at Consumer Cellular says

      We’re so glad to hear that, Mike! Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us. We look forward to serving you for years to come!

  3. john darouse says

    What cell towers does consumer cellular use?

    • Ashley at Consumer Cellular says

      Thank you for asking, John. We provide coverage on two of the nation’s largest networks. If you like, you can view the coverage in your area here with our interactive map. We’re also happy to assist you over the phone at 888-345-5509. With coverage for 99% of the U.S. population, we’re sure you’ll find us to be a good fit! We appreciate you taking the time to post!

  4. Joel @ Maxine says

    Just received the most wonderful help from Amber. She was so patient and explained things as we went along. Only a customer for 3 days and it is great.

    • Ashley at Consumer Cellular says

      That’s great to hear, Joel! Welcome to Consumer Cellular, and we look forward to providing you with great service for years to come!

  5. Michael Uhl says

    I am considering taking you up on the free home base phone system.
    However, you offered it before and then discontinued it. Do you think it will stay this time. I do not like to drop and add new systems frequently. By the way your Customer Service people are tops.

    • Ashley at Consumer Cellular says

      Thank you for the kind words regarding our customer service team, Michael! We did offer a different version of device with similar features in the past. This ZTE Home Phone Base is a slightly different model, and we have plans to offer it for some time. It’s a great time to get one, so if we can answer any questions you may have about using one with your service, please don’t hesitate to call us at 888-345-5509. Thank you for posting!