Whether or not you explicitly conceive of Instagram in this way—as a window unto others’ balanced lives; as an opportunity to portray your own—even casual users find themselves resentful of the place it comes to occupy in their minds. Open the app and discover a dose of newness—and, if you posted yourself, an opportunity to see each and every person who’s liked the latest slice of your life, who’s watched your story, who’s messaged you a torrent of 100s in affirmation. It’s quietly thrilling, at least until you think about just how little has changed since the last time you opened the app.
