The increasing popularity of “Finsta” or “Homies” Instagram accounts exposes an intriguing new phenomenon in the world of social media. These “homies-only” accounts allow users to drop some of the most detrimental facades we, as users, often feel forced to present on social media platforms. Finstas make for an escape from a digital world riddled with social guidelines, faux pas and expectations that drive many users crazy; they allow us to be authentic in a realm where such an attribute is rarely expressed for the sake of preserving the illusion of perfection. Finstas are perfect for those searching for a new way to engage online.
“Real” Instagram accounts (i.e. Rinstas) are open to the scrutinizing gaze of many — sometimes unfamiliar — followers, and there’s an intense and often debilitating sense of pressure to present a flawless facade. There is a small threshold of what is acceptable to post on the account that your best friend from high school, your old math teacher, your aunt and your co-workers follow — and you might not want to share posts that might attract unwanted judgment. We’re always under the impression that, while sorority pictures are acceptable, red solo cups should probably be removed from the background; beach pics are fun, but keep it modest and don’t wear anything too revealing; a selfie with your dog is sweet, but make sure you’ve DTRed before you post one with a potential bae. Maneuvering these unspoken yet firmly enforced rules can be annoying — and sometimes downright stifling. And what’s more, it promotes ideas of perfectionism and self-comparison that can only lead to disappointment and dissatisfaction. This obsession with appearances, social status and overall perfection often create a culture that is as frustrating as it is inauthentic.
On Finstas, however, users allow themselves to post personal stories, unflattering pictures, political rants and sloppy selfies — all social media sins in normal circumstances. Unedited and unplanned, these Finsta posts are often far more honest and much more insightful about the lives of those featured. You get to reclaim a certain level of autonomy and freedom when only your friends are looking. This new level of freedom perhaps explains their rise in popularity. As a culture, we have, to an extent, thrown up our hands in exasperation with the norms of Insta-culture and have decided to rewrite the rules with totally new accounts. We want our friends from back home to know what that frat party was really like, not just how it looked when the makeup was fresh and the night was young. We want to complain about the f*ckboy texts and the unfair grades we get; we want to share the sexist man we saw in the grocery store.
However, we ought acknowledge that, as certain societal pressures fall by the wayside, others begin to replace them. On Finstas, the self-deprecating competitiveness of binge drinking culture is often glorified, personal rants can take dark and worrisome turns, and family and friendship dramas are exposed in often explicit and one-sided details. Finstas created a new form of digital engagement, but it’s not one without flaws. Although they represent millennial/gen Z’s need to get real — which is often extremely positive and helpful in eliminating social stigmas— there are times when over-sharing can be toxic, and Finstas can give a platform to this troubling form of expression.
Though they are certainly imperfect, Finstas are ultimately a fascinating, groundbreaking and important new part of popular culture. Finstas grant permission for people to #WakeUpLikeThis— soft smile not included. They are imperfect and create both a new set of expectations and a new set of issues. They are the break we, as a generation of social media subscribers, desperately need. With Finstas, we have created a place where it’s okay to share our unfiltered sunset pics and embarrassing late night snacking habits — and not just our pastel party dresses and Sunday hiking candids. We’ve made it okay to not be okay online. We’ve created a gallery of all the photos, experiences and thoughts that never would’ve made it onto our VSCO but meant something to us nonetheless. Finstas are our public diaries for our favorite private secrets.