The Vertical Tyranny

Recently, I was encouraged… no… I was shamed into signing up for an Instagram account. I know it’s a popular platform, particular with the artistic community. When I made the mistake of telling an artist that I didn’t have it, I was met with looks of disbelief and even pity. Apparently, anyone without Instagram is a pitiful creature indeed. 

So, I signed up for Instagram, and I immediately realized it was absolutely wrong for me. And for one reason. I understand that many people consume their media vertically and have no problem with it. Maybe even most people. But I’m not one of those people. I much prefer a horizontal presentation. Unfortunately, Instagram literally forces users into using a vertical view. So, no Instagram for me. I’m a multimedia artist, so image presentation is crucial. I would never allow myself to be forced into one format. Especially a format that’s so aesthetically unappealing. The vertical, “portrait mode” is a cropped, restrictive image. I actually think it’s ugly, a personal opinion that means nothing. 

Ugly or not, the question remains. Why do Instagram and most other modern social media platforms insist on a vertical presentation? Why aren’t people allowed to choose the position/format of the media they consume? People have used game controls for years and most of them were constructed to be used horizontally. It only takes a mere shift of the hand to move from one format to another. So, what’s the big deal?  

I’m starting to think that maybe the problem is me. Because when I discuss the issue with other people, they don’t really see an issue at all. No one seems to have a problem with the vertical view. But for me, it’s turned into a weird obsession because of the force factor. Why am I being forced to accept a view? Isn’t that the very definition of tyranny?

I’ve also entertained the very real possibility that the vertical shape has some kind of occult significance. At the very least, it’s shaped like a door, and a door is a portal. I just want to know why the world is being forced into this portal. Clearly, the world is being verticalized. But why?

Click the link below for a further examination.