Essena O'Niel Versus Stina Sanders

Van Dijk strives to look at social platforms through the ecosystems of connective media, which is the understanding of how social/cultural norms are rooted within technology (21). For instance, the phenomena of worshiping Instagram stars, striving to receive ‘likes’ on posts , and sharing contents, is part of the ideological norms of culture. Meaning that, it reflects what is normalized within culture, and individuals strive to imitate these Instagram stars, because they believe that is what the norm is, and the key to receive acceptance by their peers (21).  Van Dijk discusses a neoliberal economic principle which explains the completion of individuals through social media, by fabricating and editing their profiles (21). Hence, online interactions and connections illustrate the drive for popularity and acceptance.

Essena O’Niel Recently came out with a video called “‘Why I REALLY am quitting social media”. In the video she blew the lid off the fact that most Instagram celebrity’s posts were not only edited, but also sponsored. She explained how her sponsors would give her tips of times to post, and ways to pose, in order to achieve the most likes.  O’Niel supports Van Dijk’s neoliberal economic principles, because she reveals the mechanics that go into creating the perfect Instagram pictures, in order to achieve popularity. O’Niel also discusses how as a young girl she dreamed of becoming an Instagram star, because she believed their lives were perfect. This statement represent  how culture is normalized and expressed on social media. Individuals look towards popular social media profiles, and believe they reflect the ideal life. Therefore individuals aim to mimic these celebrates in order to gain popularity. Van Dijk also discusses how the connectivity on social media leads to a pressure from peers, as people fear a lack of acceptance.

Stina Sanders is an Instagram star. After Essena O’Niels quit social media, Sanders wanted to bring awareness to the fact that the photos she posted were photo shopped and manipulated. Therefore, she posted unedited pictures of her doing normal activities. The moment Sanders posted the picture she lost 5,000 followers. According the neoliberals economic principles, since Sanders went against the norm of what is considered poplar and likable, she lost popularity. Nobody desires to see pictures of normal activities which are unedited. However, I find it fascinating how Essena O’Niel gained popularity when she spoke out against social media. However, when Sander’s actions went in opposition to the norm by posting an original picture in protest, she lost followers. I believe this is representational of neoliberal economic principles. This reflects that individuals do still want to see edited pictures of gorgeous people which feature material wealth, because that is what they affiliate with popularity within culture.