Instagram – tonnisha j. english

Technology for good is the quick definition of the Circle of 6 App.

I first learned about the app during resident assisting training in the fall but I did not realize then how much value this app has.

Circle of 6 is a project of Tech 4 Good, LLC; a human rights mobile start-up company. After becoming the winner of the White House Apps Against Abuse Challenge, the company was able to take their idea and put it into full swing.

The purpose of this app is to prevent sexual assault with simple mobile technology. Here’s how it works:

Download the Circle of 6 app using your iPhone or Android
Select 6 reliable people to be in your circle
If you ever feel you are in danger and need a distraction, interruption, or someone to come get you, a text via the app can be sent to those in your circle

I recently downloaded the app and added my family and close friends. This is an excellent way to call for help while being discrete. The app also shows your location to those in your circle if you feel you’re in danger.

This is why social media is so fascinating to me…it can be more than a like or a reply to a tweet. Social media has the ability to ultimately change the world in positive ways. It has the ability to save lives!

Check out this video below that goes into greater detail about the app and let me know what you think:

Well folks, the rumors are true. Instagram now allows businesses to buy advertising.

I was scrolling my timeline today and Instagram made a sponsored post about their introduction of advertising for businesses. They informed users that for now, the only businesses whose ads will post are those with a great community on IG.

They also said that these ads will be creative. AND users have the option of hiding ads and telling Instagram what they don’t like about it.

This gives brands the opportunity to advertise on a whole new platform. Instagram is nothing like Facebook or Twitter when it comes to advertising. Whether users like it or not, the ad will be in their face; unlike other site it will be harder to ignore these post.

Instagram users will still have to look at the ad and decide whether or not they choose to hide the post or give it a double tap for creativity. Either way, it will be seen by more consumers than other social sites that offer advertising options.

While this a perk for brands, it’s not so much for consumers. The one place that was ad free will soon be bombarded with ads. It is nice to have the power to hide, but it will be hard to scroll by an ad without taking a second look.

My only questions so far:

– How often will users see ads? Every hour? Every refresh of the TL?

– Will brands be able to pay more to rid users of the “hide this post” option?

What do you think about Instagram leveling that playing field with advertising options? Comment and let me know!