I am a proud Instagram user. I would be lying if I said I didn’t have the “followers” app that notifies me every time someone unfollows me (this following to followers ratio doesn’t just appear, you know). As an avid user of the app, I was pleasantly surprised to see that I had a new follower request in early August.

The account is called “@Marvelouslyredwood” and its premise is simple. The account anonymously gives “shout-outs” to Redwood students by posting pictures of them on Instagram and writing complimentary captions. As of publication, the account has gained 578 followers, is following 825 users, and has complimented over 111 different Redwood students.

The creation of @Marvouslyredwood certainly spread positive energy among students, as more Redwood-themed Instagrams were made within a week of its creation. @Bays_Baes, @awesomeredwood, and @redwoodsrealest were all created with similar objectives to the original account. A parody account, @bestofredwoodhigh was also created.

Though spreading positivity is great for creating a friendly school atmosphere, these Instagram accounts are not successful at equally spreading positivity. While getting a “shout-out” is exciting because it gives the recipient a feeling of acceptance, the same is not true for those who don’t get featured.

The biography section of the @Marvelouslyredwood account reads, “You don’t go unnoticed,” but this seems unlikely considering that it is nearly impossible that every Redwood student could be recognized by the account. This means that exclusion is most likely inevitable.

The purpose of these accounts is to raise confidence levels for Redwood students. Yet because it is impossible for everyone to be featured, a sense of competition emerges, leaving Instagram users who have not been “shouted out” feeling poorly about themselves. High school is already filled with competition, whether it be in sports, social situations, college applications, or academics. These accounts are just one more unnecessary thing for students to worry about.

I am a strong believer in competition and know that it is unrealistic to imagine an environment without it, but I don’t think it needs to be artificially created and broadcasted through one biased opinion.

The accounts are run by a select number of people and don’t reflect the views of the student body as a whole. Therefore these posts may misrepresent the majority of Redwood and their beliefs, though they may be done with good intentions.

Some may be “shouted out” when they don’t deserve the recognition they are receiving . This may cause rifts between students as they compare themselves to the people who were shouted out and wonder why they haven’t been featured, while those who have been featured may feel superior to their peers because of the post.

The idea of people using online anonymity to write about a certain community or individual is not new to Redwood. In November 2013, for example, a Facebook page known as “Redwood Confessions” was created for students to post anonymous confessions. “Redwood Crushes” and “Redwood Compliments” are two other Facebook pages that have received more than 500 likes each and aim for similar goals as the Instagram accounts.

Though the idea of people using online anonymity to write about a certain community or individual is not new, that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be questioned. Though the accounts all post about individuals in a positive manner, it still creates a sense of isolation for students who are not mentioned.

Instead of using the internet as a medium for raising peoples’ levels of confidence, we should concentrate on connecting with our peers in real life and having self worth for ourselves, without needing other people’s approval first. High school is often too focused on fitting people into specific friend groups and stereotypes. Though not intended, these Instagram accounts are doing much of the same by captioning photos with specific details they like about certain individuals.  We should be including and connecting with everyone in real life and leaving Instagram for posts from the Giants Parade and the Back To School Dance.