In my last post I discussed my observations and some epiphanies that occurred during my research into the calming content niche in social media. So this post is aimed at breaking down these epiphanies already discussed and new epiphanies that have appeared through previous observation.
Instagram is a more engaging platform through stories
I found through my own research on my own DA ‘Calming Core’, that Instagram stories seem to create more engagement between me and my audience. Posts don’t seem to get the same reaction or viewing as what stories do and I wondered why. I found through research that “Since they do disappear in 24 hours, they’re seen as in the moment videos that are perhaps less polished or marketed…..Thus, stories are used for real-time engagement. They are meant to be watched by your current active followers to react to” (Hitsteps).
Stories are a more engaging way to interact with audiences through real time videos or photos, allows me to ask them questions, initiate responses and feedback, as well as creating a private space where individuals can share their own feedback or questions. By adding this personal dimension to my page I am able to build up a relatable persona as people can experience my own journey in real time.
Creative/calming is aimed more specifically at mild anxiety and stress
Obviously with anxiety there are difference levels of seriousness to someones mental health. This means that creative and calming content isn’t a solution for anxiety but more used as a meditation technique. As supported by Ashely Stahl, “A creative act such as crafting can help focus the mind, and has even been compared to meditation due to its calming effects on the brain and body”. This epiphany has helped me to narrow down my research from ‘Anxiety’ as a whole to specifically ‘Mild Anxiety’.
Less variety of calming content online
Another epiphany I came across through research is lack of calming content on one singular page. Navigating on Instagram through Hashtags like #anxiety #calmthemind and #mindfulness has provided me quick access to another of other anxiety pages with similar aims to my own. However, I have noticed a lot of these pages focus on a specific niche within the niche. For example quotes or affirmations surrounding anxiety and mental health. Some pages focus only on mandala drawing. While others focus on their family lives and taking their audiences through their routine on a daily basis. My page however aims to focus on all areas and activities of anxiety providing a page where you see mandalas, quotes, art, books, products and snippets into my personal life and my own methods for coping with stress, linking to the inclusive theoretical framework.
References:
hitsteps, unknown date, ‘Are Instagram Stories More Engaging Than Instagram Posts?’, https://www.hitsteps.com/blog/are-instagram-stories-more-engaging-than-instagram-posts/
Stahl. Ashely, 2018, ‘Here’s How Creativity Actually Improves Your Health’, https://www.forbes.com/sites/ashleystahl/2018/07/25/heres-how-creativity-actually-improves-your-health/?sh=4006af2e13a6
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