She Strengthens

Uncovering the Power of Community on Instagram

A World Beyond Likes and Followers

As I reflect on my journey with Instagram, I’m reminded of the summer of 2013 when I first shared a blurry photo of David Mitchell’s Cloud Atlas. Little did I know that this humble post would mark the beginning of a remarkable adventure. Over the years, Instagram has evolved dramatically, growing from a simple photo-sharing platform to a global phenomenon with over a billion users.

The Rise of Bookstagram

Among the sea of selfies and advertisements, a unique community emerged – Bookstagram. This vibrant network of book lovers coalesced around shared passions, genres, authors, and auxiliary lifestyle interests. Through Bookstagram, I discovered new authors, interacted with like-minded individuals, and even stumbled upon beautiful photography. The hashtag #bookstagram now boasts over 32 million posts, and #bookstagrammer has over 4 million.

More Than Just Book Reviews

Bookstagram accounts have transcended mere book reviews, fostering meaningful conversations and connections. Diana, who runs the account @owlslittlelibrary, describes her entry into Bookstagram as a quest to find others who shared her passion for books. She has since met fellow bookstagrammers in real life, developed a local community, and even participated in literary events. Diana’s account has also become a platform for promoting marginalized voices and “own voices” reviews.

The Intersection of Politics and Books

As politics became more mainstream, Bookstagrammers began to incorporate their perspectives into their content. Margaret, who runs the popular account @bookmateriality, emphasizes that it’s naive to consume books without questioning the realities they stimulate. Her posts now often explore complex topics around self-identity and literature, interspersed with climate-related events and information on charitable causes.

The Limits of Online Activism

While Bookstagram has become a powerful tool for social activism, Margaret acknowledges the importance of balancing online activity with real-world action. As a teacher, she believes that education is most effective when done on the ground.

A World Beyond Numbers

Madalina, who runs an account reflecting her love of books and fashion, opened up about the negative impact of social media on her mental health. She took a radical step, deleting accounts she didn’t feel connected to and turning her account private. This bold move inspired me to re-evaluate my own followers, deleting inactive and spam accounts. The result was a sense of empowerment, a reminder that true community building is more valuable than mere numbers.

Empowerment Through Connection

In the end, my Bookstagram account has been a source of joy, opening up a world of possibilities and connections. As Madalina so eloquently put it, “I don’t regret for a second having had my Bookstagram account. It has opened a world of possibilities for me.” In a world where social media can often feel overwhelming, Bookstagram serves as a beacon of hope, reminding us of the power of community and connection.