Instagram models vs “Instagram models”

Nowadays, models have just evolved from just being the pretty faces that we see on glossy magazine covers. The profession now goes above and beyond billboards and TV ads and has moved into our phones, tablets and computer screens. It has become a place where fans; buyers (and perverts) can follow their favourite personalities and companies save millions in marketing through hiring 21st century Instagram models. It hasn’t taken much time for it to catch on and now many aspiring young models seek out the thrones of the Cara Delevignes and Miranda Kerrs of this world however it has also led to a rather heated debate as to some of the behaviour that many have begun to exhibit in order to earn this status and how some have simply dubbed the title upon themselves regardless of their credentials. First things first: what is an Instagram model and what do they do?

Let’s start simple. An Instagram model can simply be somebody who uploads images of themselves and adds the hashtag “Model” later on. We don’t need to dive deeply into this one. This can also be somebody who is partaking in legitimate model work who can also be part of a company brand campaign or speaking out for a particular cause. All, or at the very least, most of the content they upload is sponsored and become great socially influencing messages or products. Most Instagram models are independent and not under any particular modeling agency and are largely approached by brands in need of marketing.

Now, what is the difference between these models and other “Instagram models”? The title has often adopted by just anybody who happens to upload revealing, “sexy” or provocative pictures of themselves. In reality, the only difference between these people and actual Instagram models is that they’re not getting paid. To make this statement more accurate one would say that these people are simply “flexing” on Instagram. Sure, in many cases there is nothing wrong with that., however, want to take the extra step and become Instagram models and hopefully, properly signed models. So it becomes evocative pic after evocative pic in hopes to build a large enough fan base.

This means of marketing oneself can become dangerous because such behaviour invites a lot of problems swerving up your alley. Consider, Chloe Ayling – She is one girl who prides herself in maintaining her Instagram account and pleasing her hundreds of thousands of Instagram followers. Quite recently she was kidnapped and later abandoned by a gang of sex traffickers whilst she was out in Milan. “How?” you ask. They approached her any way a major brand trying to promote their company would have done but as it turns out their intentions turned out to be rather sideways. This isn’t the only way aspiring models get duped. Other cases span through money swindling and rape. It is often never a good idea to simply post revealing or provocative images of yourself on social media for no apparent reason because you never know who is watching. It’s the first rule of social media: Once you upload something, you lose control over it.

Now, what exactly do we learn from all this? There is nothing wrong about feeling good about yourself and posting some of your best well-lit pictures online but if you find yourself going towards the path of Elle Johnson, you might want to dial your selfie game back a little. Also, before you stand in front of a mirror and post pictures of yourself in your lingerie, don’t just ask whether you are getting paid or not. Think about whether the risk of exposure is worth more than gaining a few more followers. It’s nice to feel beautiful especially when it’s not just you who is standing in admiration but there’s a lot more that’s beneath every post you make.

SHARE

About Makomborero Marumisa