Originally meant to be a light, brief way to express a quick thought, Instagram Notes has quickly turned into an annoying and performative way of oversharing that no one asked for.
Instagram Notes was first launched in December 2022, where for 24 hours, a text-based “note” from anyone you follow would show up above all your private message DMs. At first, this function was being used sparingly and accordingly. But recently within the last year, Notes– which was originally meant to connect people– became increasingly popular, and users began to annoyingly share everything about their lives on impulse. Whether it be they saw a cloud, the song they are listening to or any small pains they may have, Instagram Notes has turned into another outlet for people to seek attention.
When every random or spontaneous thought becomes content, the gesture stops feeling honest and starts reading as superficial. Instagram Notes rewards vague hints and reaction-bait, so posting is just another way for people to fish for replies rather than start real conversations.
One time, I saw a Note that said, “I am thirsty.” From just a glance, I felt the annoyance of it, as it sat on top of my messages, whether I wanted to see it or not. After scrolling past a dozen mini-announcements like that, I don’t feel more connected. I feel like closing the app.
Also, the rising popularity of Instagram Notes reflects a deeper issue related to oversharing and using social media to replace genuine conversation. According to Shayla Love in “When we can share everything online, what counts as oversharing?” with The Guardian, oversharing on digital platforms ties directly into depression, anxiety and excessive attachment to their devices. By engaging in sharing every little detail of your life, social media users are then conditioned to turn to imaginary companions that don’t actually exist. If everything in life earns a Note, constant disclosure can begin to feed anxiety and addictive checking.
Notes aren’t hopeless, however. People just need to stop and think about what they are really trying to post: Is it for attention or a genuine connection? If you want to post a note that reads “Thank you,” please just message your appreciation to your friend instead of announcing it for me to see every time I message someone else.
Although Instagram Notes didn’t invent oversharing, it simply made a new opening for it. People must resist oversharing every feeling and trying to spin that into being content. In my opinion, either Instagram must move Instagram Notes to a new section of the app or retire it entirely.
