Instagram, the photo sharing and editing application for iPhone and Android, has taken the interest of smartphone users across the world, Kuwait included. It allows users to share photos with their followers, gathering 'likes' and comments as they go. Sounds familiar? The concept shares some similarities with Facebook, but without the additional extras. It has the convenience of Twitter minus the need to think of something witty to write.
Local social media and communications expert, Hind Al-Nahedh, said of the trend, "It's taking over Facebook and Twitter; I'd say it is the best app of the year in Kuwait. Plus, the fact that it is linked with Twitter means that it got part of their market in Kuwait also." Prominent Kuwaiti blogger, Danderma, agreed, "Instagram is gaining popularity with each passing day! It's the new Twitter. Everybody seems to be using it; teenagers, grandparents, 30-somethings, everyone!" The growing popularity of apps like Instagram in Kuwait only goes to show how much of a role mobile apps play in the region, said Hind. "The popularity of Instagram confirms the attachment of users here to their mobile apps. The use of mobile phones is four times the use of laptops and desktops in the region, and it is continuing to increase."
The majority of the pictures in Kuwait based on Instagram accounts, Danderma said, are of food, "The accounts here go like this: Food, food, nail polish on manicured nails, clouds, food, food, football, kids, food, nails, food. Food is what makes people happy the most; it's what we have available for us to use and consume with the blessing of society and without criticism" She added, "Food and fashion dominate, but food is the clear leader. Throw a Nutella picture in the mix and you might even make it to the 'popular page.'" Hind agreed, adding "Pictures of different dishes of food, landscapes of Gulf Road, funny kids, fashion items and pets are all popular in accounts here. Food is popular because people love to share good looking food here."
Whether it is pictures of pasta or pets, the community is continuing to grow as users across the country continue to share. The trend, Danderma added, is having a positive impact so far: "People are getting braver and starting to share their lives with others. It is bringing friends and family closer. I personally know more about the lives of people who I had not been in touch for years because of Instagram."
Kuwait is a relatively conservative society, yet people of all ages and both genders are happy to openly share shots of their everyday lives. According to Danderma, it is the conservatism of Kuwait that is further fuelling the popularity of Instagram use in the country: "People are going gaga over Instagram because of the conservative nature of Kuwaiti society: it gives them a direct insight into other people's lives, whereas before it was all left to imagination." The changes taking place in society also play a key part, said Hind, "I believe that the youth culture is more expressive than previous generations, which may be why there is a degree of acceptance and the freedom to express your diaries in pictures. This youth culture is kind of 'conservative-liberal,' my new term." Despite these changes, however, users are often hesitant to post pictures of themselves, "It is not common for a user to post a picture of their face. Usually, they post pictures of a partial body part: an eye, an eyelash, a manicured nail etc. Very few post full portraits if their accounts are not private." Hind reported seeing more people post photos of themselves. She added, however, "Some people prefer to stay anonymous and blur their features or crop the picture. Another example of cool conservatism." While 'cool-conservatives' have been embracing the app, others are more cautious, "Many people still think personal exposure on the internet is risky business. Plus there are plenty of lurkers, who are people with private accounts and no pictures who keep following others just to keep up with their lives," said Danderma. She added, "Apart from that, there are a just a few annoying Instagram habits, such as people asking 'Min wain?' (From where?).
A worse problem is when users have strong, often vicious, opinions regarding a certain picture and leave a nasty comment, which causes a lot of fights and a lot of drama."
The app can certainly be very personal, but also has considerable potential use for businesses, "It can certainly help businesses as you can engage customers with your latest products, plan competitions, and so on. It all depends on your target segment, but it has great potential," said Hind. Danderma added, "You cannot deny that Instagram is taking Kuwait, and the world, by storm. Some pictures have as much as 20,000 likes. What business would not benefit from such a tool? Many businesses here have simply posted a photo and have gotten a flood of people asking for details. Some even become overwhelmed as they are suddenly swamped with orders."
© Kuwait Times 2012
