A limit of 60 characters lasting 24 hours at the top of the chat page was a new update for sharing thoughts and music with your mutual friends. The launching of this new feature on December 13, 2022, allows users to have an alternative to posting on their stories with the intention of giving people a quick update or thought. Students had clashing emotions when it came to the update but now almost two years later have the feelings changed?
Instagram Notes has been previously seen as an ode to the nostalgic television show “Victorious”. The connection to the 2010 sitcom is because of Nickelodeon’s unique fictional social media site, “TheSlap.com”. Like Instagram Notes “TheSlap.com” had a feature for sharing your current feelings or an update of your day. The resemblance between the two is evident and those who grew up with the show began reminiscing. However, students are not the only ones who compare them to something previously nostalgic.
World History teacher, Caitlin Tripp, wasn’t angered with the appearance of Instagram Notes but instead surprised by the similarity to AOL Instant Messenger, or AIM. Tripp noticed Notes as a sort of reinvention of the previous AIM away messages but was delighted to see something she admired. Instagram Notes looks set to remain a beloved aspect of the Instagram experience for the foreseeable future, bridging the gap between nostalgia and innovation in social media communication and for many the feeling of deja vu. “Aside from the ways that they are similar by concept, they are funnily similar because in both cases people often use AOL and Instagram Notes as a way of getting attention,” she said. “To me, it sort of telling that humans don’t change that much, technology might, but the attention we want from another doesn’t change and we often get it the same way.”
Some dislike Notes but the majority don’t have an opinion and many North Atlanta students’ admiration for Instagram Notes is now stronger than before. Sophomore, Grace Cowell wasn’t aware of the new update until days later and was on the fence about her likability. She now describes how funny they can be or how convenient they are to convey a secret message and try to decode other people’s messages too but, her favorite feature is the ability to share music on Notes. “I like putting my songs on there and showing people I have good music taste plus seeing other people’s songs for recommendations.”
Instagram Notes is an update that took its users by storm but its ability to last for more than a year commends respect. It has proven to be more than just a passing trend, with its unique blend of fleeting messages and music sharing that continues to win over its users, and make them curious to see what’s next.
