Instagram - what was once meant to be a platform of social communication via texts and pictures changed drastically during the last few years. Today, this exact "social" platform can easily be classified as an "anti- social- network".

But let me explain. About 6 years ago, I became a victim of bullying just because the others thought they were something better. To date still, they have not stopped. Do you really think that situations like the one I am in do only occur in our "real life"? Over the past decade Instagram has become a place for those people, who think they are something better. Now take a minute or two to think about this, and you are still asking why I´m telling you? Look, on Instagram people are treated even worse than personally. There are lots of guys bullying others because of their outward appearance or their interests. Does this go with the word "social"? Hundrets of people who lack self esteem but also strong persons become victims of mental health issues every single day. Some of them even have to see a psychiatrist multiple times a week. Does this go with the word "social"? Do you really believe people who say that others are not worth as much just because they are not following certain "trends" set by some random, what they call "influencer"? To date many people, even young children and teenagers have suffered from the interaction with people via Instagram. Some of them even commited suicide. Does this go with the word "social"?

The reason for this are not the influencers themselves but rather you - People who believe influencers and just follow the trends without thinking. I can only appeal to you to think about your Insta life and to hopefully have a change of heart. Stop faking your personality - you dont have to, because you are just right the way you are. Stop following "trends" set by influencers, because others do - set your own standards and become an individual again. Stop trying to find friends online - you can also meet up with your real friends in real life. And last but not least, start using Instagram the right way. Just have a closer look and you will see that Instagram is not only about influencers. There are petitions you can reach huge goals with. There are posts which inform you about the most important political topics from all over the world. There are also people collecting money to help poor people among our planet. They do it because they enjoy helping others, not because they will get something of it. One last time I will ask you, does this go with the word "social"?

Now, turn around, look back at what you did on Instagram, turn forwards and look at the same platform of a different point of view. Feel free of peer pressure, bullying and people trying to persuade you. Keep in mind: every person is one of a kind, so there is no need for people being the same, right?

Together, we will make Instagram to what it was once meant to be - A social network.

*this petition is not against Instagram itself but rather against what people do using Instagram.