Over the years, I’ve seen the launch of applications promising to be the “new big thing that will change how people communicate.” Technology isn’t slowing down on this front. And although it’s fun to try out a new app or program, adding something new to the litany of apps on your phone can fill up a screen. 
So here we go again! Instagram just launched Threads (https://about.instagram.com/blog/announcements/threads-instagram-text-feature), a “new way to share with text.” How does it work, and how is it different from how we text and message today?
The typical steps to texting go like this:
- You want to share a topic or discussion with several friends.
- Begin a group text by creating a new thread using your phone’s addresses.
- Other friends can add friends from their own addresses
- The discussion begins!
This is how Instagram Threads works:
- Go to an app store and download Threads
- It will use the same username and password as a person’s Instagram account.
- Friends on an Instagram account are automatically added to the Thread.
- A user can create new threads and add connections.
- Instagram might suggest others follow a user’s Thread.
- Users will have up to 500 characters and options to add photos and videos when posting a Thread.
You could say Threads is a bit like Twitter without the drama. Or so that’s the intention. Influencers and businesses will likely jump on and start plenty of public conversations about their products and services to build their SEO reach. Everyone is encouraged to express their thoughts and share ideas positively and creatively. That’s great, but we are talking about human beings here. There are always unintended consequences.
As a forensic SEO expert witness (https://www.jasonmcdonald.org/seo-consultant/social-media-expert-witness/), Instagram Threads conjures up some thoughts on this. For instance, someone might misguide a discussion for personal financial gain. There may be a dispute over creative property and how it was uploaded to the Thread. A poster might share confidential information.
Instagram is working to connect Threads with other digital platforms. This means someone’s messages and posts can span across several social networks. For an influencer, it could bring in more followers. It can also complicate disputes around digital fraud and property.
Instagram String Theory: The Best Social Media Expert Witness can Connect Digital Evidence across Platforms
I’ve worked, taught, and consulted in the digital media world for over 30 years. I’ve seen the evolution of SEO, Social Media, Google Ads, and digital communications on popular platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. Moving forward, you can add me as an Expert Witness for Instagram Threads.
Remember, Facebook, aka Meta, owns Instagram, Oculus (VR), and WhatsApp. Each entity will continue to change and connect with other platforms resulting in a complicated mess of digital footprints. When a legal team needs to untangle those connections to strengthen their case in court, they’ll need a social media expert witness.
A Truthful Expert Witness is Hard to Question
Confession time; I may be an expert witness in Instagram Threads, but I still need to become a power user. As of this blog, no one is. The platform is new to the world, and everyone is learning how it works. My extensive knowledge base and curiosity will quickly put me at the forefront of Threads-based cases. Because my career and passion is learning and then teaching others. As an author of annually updated digital media books, I promise there will be a section on Threads in the 2024 edition!
The goal is to bring solid data and facts to every case. Tell the truth without sugar-coating the evidence. I’ve testified in California and Federal court on digital media fraud cases. Lawyers have learned if they want the hard truth, they can rely on me to deliver.
If you face a complex Instagram/Facebook/Threads case, I can help a judge and jury untangle the data and get to the truth as the expert witness.
