Navigating the Practices and Challenges of Novice Poets on Instagram

Core Concepts

Participants prioritize conforming to algorithmic constraints for visibility while maintaining community values of integrity and originality, illustrating the tension between growth and authenticity.

Abstract

The study explores motivations, experiences, and algorithmic influence within Instagram's poetry community. Participants struggle with algorithmic conformity, hindering authentic creative expression. The platform favors visual content over textual depth, impacting novice poets' visibility and growth.
Key points:

Instagram as a platform for poetry sharing.
Novice poets prioritize authenticity but face challenges with algorithmic visibility.
Algorithmic constraints lead to conformity and hinder creative expression.
Community values of integrity and originality clash with algorithmic preferences.
The poetry community on Instagram is characterized by a multitude of novices leveraging a primarily visual platform for textual art forms. Participants struggle with algorithmic constraints that prioritize visual elements over textual depth, impacting their visibility and growth. The tension between conforming to algorithms for visibility while maintaining authenticity highlights the challenges faced by novice poets in navigating the Instagram poetry community.

Stats

Posts with less than 500 characters were more common in the sample.
Themes like grief, love, and sex drove the algorithms according to participants.
Most posts had visuals that did not match the accompanying text.

Quotes

"I think Instagram knows what kind of photos I like, but when it comes to poems, it still thinks it’s the photos I care about." - P07
"Instagram only supports you if you are trying to make money off it... What about us? Our content enriches the platform!" - P06

Key Insights Distilled From

#PoetsOfInstagram

by Ankolika De,... at arxiv.org 03-01-2024

https://arxiv.org/pdf/2402.19347.pdf

Deeper Inquiries

How can platforms like Instagram better support non-monetizing creatives?

Platforms like Instagram can better support non-monetizing creatives by implementing features that prioritize authenticity and creativity over commercial gain. One way to do this is by developing algorithmic systems that are more inclusive and diverse in promoting content. This could involve creating recommendation algorithms that highlight a wider range of themes and styles, rather than favoring popular or trending topics. Additionally, providing tools for creators to showcase their work without the pressure of conforming to certain trends or visual aesthetics would be beneficial.
Furthermore, offering resources and support specifically tailored to non-monetizing creatives, such as workshops on creative growth, feedback sessions with experienced poets, or community-building initiatives focused on artistic development rather than financial success, would help foster a more supportive environment for novice poets who engage in poetry primarily as a leisure pursuit.

What impact does algorithmic favoritism towards certain themes have on diverse creative expression?

Algorithmic favoritism towards certain themes can have a significant impact on diverse creative expression within the poetry community on platforms like Instagram. When algorithms prioritize specific topics or styles favored by influencer poets or those aligned with mainstream trends (such as love, grief, or sex), it can limit the visibility and recognition of poems addressing less popular but equally important themes.
This bias towards particular themes may lead novice poets to feel pressured to conform their work to fit these preferences in order to gain visibility and engagement. As a result, there is a risk of homogenization in creative expression where unique voices and unconventional ideas are overshadowed by content that aligns with algorithmic expectations.
The impact extends beyond individual creators' ability to share their authentic voice; it also influences the overall diversity of content available for audiences. By limiting exposure to only select themes deemed favorable by algorithms, there is a risk of stifling creativity and discouraging experimentation with new ideas or unconventional approaches.

How can novice poets balance authenticity with algorithmic demands for visibility?

Novice poets can balance authenticity with algorithmic demands for visibility by adopting strategic approaches that maintain their creative integrity while navigating platform constraints effectively. Here are some strategies they could consider:

Consistent Authenticity: Focus on staying true to personal style and thematic choices while adapting presentation techniques (such as using relevant visuals) without compromising the essence of the poem.

Strategic Engagement: Engage actively within the poetry community through collaborations, feedback exchanges, and mutual support networks while being mindful of how engagement impacts visibility.

Diversified Content: Experiment with different formats (e.g., micro-poetry vs longer pieces) and explore various thematic elements beyond what may be currently trending.

Educated Algorithm Use: Understand how algorithms function on social media platforms like Instagram; leverage insights into posting times, frequency optimization without sacrificing originality.

Community Advocacy: Advocate for transparent algorithms within the poetry community; encourage discussions around balancing artistic vision with platform requirements among peers.

By striking a balance between maintaining authenticity in their poetic expressions while strategically aligning them with platform dynamics for increased visibility opportunities through thoughtful adaptation strategies based on understanding both audience preferences & technical aspects will enable novice poets navigate this challenge effectively