Social media platforms such as Instagram have become an important part of people’s lives, so it is not uncommon for people to find someone they like and think about following them. There are various considerations to be made before taking this action, so it is important to understand the implications. In this article, we discuss the pros and cons of following a guy on Instagram that you like and provide helpful suggestions on what to do before taking action.
1. An Overview of Followers on Instagram
What are Followers?
Followers are users that have chosen to follow your profile on Instagram. They have opted to get informed about your posts, stories, activities, and other updates. The number of followers you have is an indication of how popular your profile is and how many people are interested in what you are sharing on Instagram.
Ways of Counting Followers on Instagram
Knowing the number of followers you have is a useful metric to monitor your social media growth. To get a full understanding of your outreach, there are several ways to count your followers:
- Number of followers you currently have
- Net follower count (number of followers gained or lost since a given time)
- Growth rate in followers
Growth Strategies for Your Follower Count
Growing your Instagram followers is an important element to consider when developing your presence on this platform. Here are a few useful strategies for increasing your follower count:
- Create content with a message about your business and post often.
- Participate in conversations with other accounts in the industry.
- Engage with followers and ask them questions.
- Post photos, use popular hashtags, and tag other users.
- Promote yourself and your account in other parts of the web.
2. Understanding the Benefits of Following on Instagram
Having an active following on Instagram can bring various benefits, some of which can be critical to any individual or organization’s success in the online world. Below are some of the main advantages and implications of having a growing audience on this platform.
- The ability to reach a wider audience – Increasing the number of followers on Instagram will lead to more attention for your posts. This can be essential for any individual or organization who aims to reach more people.
- Increased engagement – More followers means that more people will engage with your posts, which leads to more likes, shares, and comments, leading eventually to more profile visits.
- Ability to network and collaborate – With a large following, other users and organizations are more likely to reach out to collaborate, exchange media or even use your services.
Apart from the above benefits, having a larger following will also increase the presence and visibility of a profile or page on Instagram. This can be the difference between a large following and total obscurity.
3. Identifying If You Should Follow Someone You Like on Instagram
Deciding whether or not to follow someone on Instagram can be difficult. There are many factors to consider before taking the plunge and clicking that follow button. We’ve got the tips you need to help you determine if this person is someone worth following.
Is There Mutual Interest? Before committing to following someone, consider if the person is someone you have an actual interest in following, or if you’re doing so out of curiosity. If there is mutual interest, then you should feel more comfortable following, as it creates natural conversation starters.
Are You Willing to See Their Posts? Instagram notifications can become clogged with pictures, and you should think about how many posts from the person you’re willing to endure. Follow with caution if you’re not sure how often they post.
Are You Up for the Interaction? After following someone, there is a good chance that they or their friends may visit your page. Be prepared to interact and engage with their content if they do the same. Consider open-ended questions or comments that may catch their attention and spark conversation.
- Are you interested in this person for their content?
- Are you prepared for the level of interaction?
- What type of content are you expecting from this person?
4. Considering the Risks Involved in Following Someone on Instagram
Following someone on Instagram can be a great way to stay up to date on their posts and stories, but there are also various risks involved. In order to properly assess the risks associated with Instagram follows it is important to consider,
- The nature of the account you choose to follow
- The potential for online privacy breaches
- The possibility of online harassment.
The Nature of the Followed Account
When deciding to follow someone, it is wise to consider the nature of their account: is it professional or personal? It is important to be aware that content of a personal nature may contain posts that your followers will not necessarily be expecting, as well as opinions and views that may be offensive or inappropriate. Therefore, if you choose to follow a personal account, proceed with caution.
Online Privacy Breaches
As data privacy becomes an ever more important topic due to the increasing amount of information collected and shared online, it is essential to be aware that data associated with social media platforms may be accessible to others. As a result, when following someone on Instagram it is important to not share any personal information – such as addresses, credit card details, or account passwords.
Online Harassment
Another risk associated with following people on Instagram is the possibility of online harassment. This can include unwelcome messages and comments, as well as threats. It is advisable to not accept requests from unknown users and to review the content shared by followed accounts in order to identify any potential harassers.
5. Drawing the Line Between Appropriate and Inappropriate Interactions on Instagram
Filtering Interactions
The first step to curating your Insta-experience is to identify which interactions are inappropriate. If a user is sending abusive and hateful messages, it’s wise to block them. If they’re persistently targeting youth with alcohol advertising, do not engage. The best way to keep out unwanted interactions is to filter out suspicious activities from the get-go.
Answer Questions and Concerns Thoughtfully
Though some users may come off as overly eager at times, it’s important to act politely. Address them in a respectful but assertive way, answering questions and addressing concerns without patronizing. Unsolicited comments and inappropriate generalizations should be avoided, as this will only lead to misunderstandings.
Set and Respect Boundaries
You should never feel pressured or obligated to respond to comments that are disrespectful or make you uncomfortable. Respect, privacy, and boundaries should be an integral part of online interactions, and they should be established and respected both offline and on social media. If the conversation strays outside your comfort zone, be sure to disengage in a polite, but firm manner. At the end of the day, it is up to you whether you follow the guy you like on Instagram. If you do, be mindful of your intentions and remember to enjoy the experience. Above all, never forget that your self-worth does not depend on social media interactions.
