“What’s your take on Finstas?”
I’m so glad you asked! But first, let’s start with the basics. For those of you who aren’t familiar, “Finstas” refers to “Fake Instas” or “fake instagram accounts.” Hold your horses: these are not fake accounts, or accounts that have stolen someone’s identity. Instead, they’re often a social media user’s second Instagram account, where, as I highlight in this week’s TikTok, they present a more “chill” or “causal” version of themselves/their identity. While someone’s “main Insta” can often be the source of a lot of pressure, the idea behind a Finsta is do away with the filters, the witty captions, and the perfect pose; for a smaller audience — often, someone’s closest friends/the people they trust — they show off who they really are (good and bad).
So, how do I feel about Finstas? I actually think they can be a lot of fun! It’s a great way to live more authentically online. So many of my friends often say that they “actually have fun” on their Finsta, and I’ve seen a ton of Finsta accounts that are super clever. My biggest piece of advice on Finstas? Don’t let your Finsta be the only place where you’re the “real you.” The biggest “Finsta problem,” as I see it, is that it reinforces this idea that we can only be who we really are from behind the shadows, where only a small group of people are watching. That couldn’t be further from the truth, and that’s no way to do the internet. So the next time you’re on Insta (or any other social media platform), bring some of that “Finsta energy” to all of your accounts! You’ll be surprised by how much people love seeing and learning more about the real, genuine you.
The other potential “Finsta pitfall” I will highlight is feeling like because no one’s watching…you can do anything on your Finsta. Don’t let the aura of anonymity get to you: your Finsta is still a public social media page, and even if you’ve invited just a small group of people to follow you, anyone can screenshot anything you post or say. TLDR: Be smart on your Finsta. For all of the fun Finsta accounts I’ve seen, I’ve also seen folks who’ve decided to “let loose” on their Finsta…and not in the best way. Not only is that behavior just not cool, it might get you into serious trouble. #totallynotworthit
I hope you found this post helpful! 🙂 Whether you have similar or totally different question about the Internet, don’t hesitate to share a note, question, or thought here. Your topic (and maybe even you!) might be featured in an upcoming TikTok/blog post! Anything goes: whether it’s a more serious issue you’re facing, or just a fun digital conversation-starter, I’d love to hear from you (and I know our “Ask Trish” community would too)! And don’t forget: if you see an “Ask Trish” TikTok you like, share it and spread the word! A larger “Ask Trish” community = more fun TikToks = more fun, period.
Thank you all for continuing to engage, learn, and grow with me! See you again next week,
Trish