We all do it. The perpetual Instagram scrolling, I mean. When we're bored, with friends (only because they're doing it too, right?), when we're supposed to be doing homework or cleaning and even in between classes. We're always on our phones. And it doesn't necessarily have to be a bad thing. In fact, Instagram has exposed me to a lot of things both fun and informative.
Why shouldn't every visit to Instagram be an educational, eye-opening experience? Follow these accounts, and they can be.
1. Kinfolk Magazine (@kinfolk)
"Delving deeply into a home, work, style, and culture, Kinfolk promotes quality of life and connects a global community of creative professionals from London to Tokyo" (Kinfolk). If you're looking for inspiration of any kind, Kinfolk's clean and minimalist approach to life, style, and travel might be more than enough to pique your interest. If anything, the page is super satisfying to look at and is a good reminder to slow down, take a breather, and enjoy the simple things life has to offer.
2. Humans of New York (@humansofny)
What started in 2010 as a photo project about the lives of everyday people living in New York City, quickly became much more. First a blog, then a couple of books, the project gathered millions of followers around the world who became almost endeared to the people interviewed. Not only did they see themselves in the stories being shared, but people's eyes were opened to lives and stories completely different from their own. From heartbreaking to hilarious, HONY is one of best Instagram pages out there, one EVERYBODY should be following.
3. National Geographic (@natgeo)
Talk about perspective. You've likely flipped through a copy of this magazine at your local dentist's office or hair salon and loved every minute of it. National Geographic has been sharing stories and facts about animals, landscapes, and cultures all across the globe since 1888. Their photographs are absolutely spectacular, and their subjects even more so. I mean who needs to travel when you can experience everything via one Instagram page. Kidding, of course. But still. You should follow them.
4. Button Poetry (@buttonpoetry)
One of the largest poetry providers around, Button Poetry invites performance poets from all walks of life to share their words and be published on multiple media platforms. If that wasn't enough, they even offer scholarships and fundraising!
5. Rookie Magazine (@rookiemag)
Although Rookie Magazine actually came to an end earlier this year, all their published works have been archived. Started by teenage actress and writer Tavi Gevinson, Rookie's purpose was to give teenage writers, artists, and activists a platform for discussion about intersectional feminism, diversity, and the personal, but universal experiences of youth across the country. As interesting as it is instructive, Rookie Magazine has something for just about everyone.
6. Overheard (@overhearduniversity, @overheardla, @overheardny)
Overheard has to be one of the funniest pages I follow. Probably the funniest, because it's real people, being really and unintentionally funny. And no one's getting hurt, nor is it overly crude. Plus, it's super relatable. Go follow and give yourself the amusement you deserve.
7. Our Shared Shelf (@oursharedshelf)
Chaired by actress and UN Women Goodwill Ambassador, Emma Watson, Our Shared Shelf is an online intersectionally feminist book club dedicated to promoting a diverse board of writers, including those in the LGBT+ community, writers of color, and, featuring this month and next, British Muslim women. If you're wondering what book you should read next, and want to broaden your literary horizons, join the club!
8. Girlvana Yoga (@girlvanayoga)
"Raising the consciousness in teens through yoga, meditation, and raw conversation" (Girlvanayoga). Something many teens could use is a collective platform for healthy discussion and engagement, and Girlvana knows that. Not only does it establish relationships between young people all across the country, but it's also dedicated to bettering teens' relationships with themselves and their environments.
9. What's Wrong With My Vagina? (@whatswrongwithmyvagina)
"For when Web MD fails" (@whatswrongwithmyvagina on Instagram). Instagrammer Molly-Margaret provides you with the health education you never got in middle school- from sex and abortion to menstruation and STDs, she offers education, advice, and discussion for everyone with a vagina, and even those without. Be sure to check her out!
10. Recipes For Self-Love (@recipesforselflove)
As intersectional as it gets, this artist uses their talent to promote discussions about self-love, body shaming, mental illness, feminism, and sex education (to name a few). We could all do with reminders like these once in a while!
11. #Don't Call Me Pretty (@dontcallmepretty_)
Dedicated to empowerment and enlightenment through self-esteem and social media workshops, founder Aly Nagel offers a platform for conversation and education within various online communities, including queer, mentally ill, and disabled communities.
12. Her Campus (@hercampus)
An online platform shared exclusively between college women, Her Campus offers insight into college life, personal relationships, self-care, and mental health.
13. Ramona Magazine For Girls (@ramonaforgirls)
A magazine "FOR girls and BY girls" (Ramona Mag). Ramona is a collaborative community dedicated to educating, inspiring, and empowering the next generation by showcasing the creativity, diversity, strength, and leadership of girls all over the world.
14. Nashville Feminist Collective (@nashvillefeministcollective)
The Nashville Feminist Collective is an online activist organization dedicated to helping end the oppression of people of color, trans persons, and sex workers, among countless other marginalized and stigmatized groups. Currently, they are joining advocates in Tenessee and elsewhere across the country urging for charges to be dropped against domestic violence survivor, Shantonio Hunter, for the death of her child at the hands of her abuser.
15. Ambivalently Yours (@ambivalentlyyours)
Through their zine-style illustrations, this artist explores feminism through emotion and offers often humorous advice about grief, loss, and personal relationships.
The minimum wage is not a living wage.
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