But many Instagram users like the app the way it is. To them, likes are a fun way to support friends—like an online high five. And getting even one or two of those likes is nice. “They make me feel loved and appreciated,” says Ellie, 16.
Joshua, 17, agrees. In fact, he thinks that competing for likes makes Instagram better. “It keeps people from posting photos that nobody wants to see,” he says.
No matter what side you’re on, that’s an interesting thing to think about. How would your Instagram photos look different if you didn’t have to worry about getting likes?
For Layla, answering that question made her feel free. “I would be able to post whatever I wanted,” she says. “My photos would definitely look much more like real life.”