Scottagram

SCOTTAGRAM

Goal: A social media platform inspired by Instagram that leverages its engaging features while acknowledging its side effects, helping users be aware of both pros and cons.

Key Features (Good from Instagram)

Photo & Video Sharing

Upload images and short videos

Filters, editing tools, and creative effects

Stories & Status Updates

Temporary posts for daily updates

Live streaming for engagement

Explore & Discovery

Personalized feed

Trending posts & hashtags

Social Networking

Following/follower system

Comments, likes, and shares

Direct Messaging

Private conversations

Group chats

Reels / Short-form Videos

Quick entertainment content

Algorithm-based recommendations

Side Effects of Instagram to Consider (Bad Features / Psychological Effects)

Addictive Scrolling

Infinite feed triggers dopamine release → users lose track of time

Comparison & Self-Esteem Issues

Highlight reels of others’ lives may cause anxiety or jealousy

FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)

Seeing friends’ posts triggers anxiety about social exclusion

Cyberbullying & Harassment

Negative comments or direct messages

Privacy Concerns

Data collection and exposure of personal information

Echo Chambers & Filter Bubbles

Users see only content aligned with their interests → limits perspective

Scottagram – New Features to Mitigate Instagram’s Side Effects

Time Awareness Tools

“You’ve scrolled for 30 min” reminder

Daily usage stats

Wellness Mode

Hide likes and follower counts to reduce comparison stress

Positive reinforcement prompts

Custom Feed Control

Sort feed by friends, topics, or local content

Option to block harmful content

Privacy & Safety Enhancements

End-to-end encryption in messaging

User verification to reduce fake accounts

Report and block abusive content easily

Mindful Engagement Features

Encourage meaningful interactions (e.g., long comments vs. just likes)

“Reflect before posting” prompts

Optional Access to Everyone

Public posts available to everyone, but users can opt-out of being fully searchable

Granular privacy settings

Potential “Good + Bad” Blend (for real-world realism)

Feature Good Aspect Potential Bad Aspect

Feed Algorithm Personalized content Can become addictive

Stories Fun, ephemeral sharing FOMO, pressure to post

Explore Page Discover new creators Echo chambers

Reels Entertainment Time drain

Likes & Followers Social validation Self-esteem issues

Messaging Direct connections Cyberbullying potential

Public Access Wide reach Privacy risks

emapthy maping

Quotes

What do they say or need to say to others?

Expectations

What do they think about the situation?

“I want something safe and less stressful.”
 “I don’t want to compare my life to others.”

She thinks about her children’s safety, privacy, and how much time she spends online. She wonders if social media is healthy for her and her family.

Says

Thinks

Does

Feels

She checks social media during free time. She shares family moments carefully. She limits usage when reminded.

Sarah, a 35-year-old mother of three, would likely appreciate Scottagram’s privacy controls, hidden likes, and time reminders. She’d feel safer sharing family content and less pressured by comparisons. However, if her friends aren’t using it or reminders feel intrusive, she might hesitate. Overall, she’d view it as healthier and more supportive.

Actions

What do they do to get the job done?

Values

How does this person feel about things?