Podcasts Sports Wilderness Backpacker Radio #120 | Social Media x Backpacking

#120 | Social Media x Backpacking

Published: Sept. 29, 2021, 7:18 p.m.

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are talking all things social media and how it relates to the world of backpacking.\xa0 This is a long and lively conversation and we dive into some highly charged subjects including gatekeeping, is Instagram influencing a good or bad for the thru-hiking culture, the addictive nature of social media, and much much more.\xa0\xa0

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Social Media X Backpacking Panel\xa0

Time stamps & Questions

00:02:44 - QOTD: What was the first social media app you engaged with regularly?\xa0

00:09:19 - Wisconsin reminder: Delafield & Fitchburg events\xa0

00:10:27 - Introducing today\u2019s panel: Social Media X Backpacking\xa0

00:12:24 - Zach\u2019s take on Instagram being an ineffective tool to learn about backpacking

00:13:45 - Chaunce\u2019s rebuttal on using social media for research\xa0

00:15:56 - Zach\u2019s recommendation to not use Instagram as your primary research tool\xa0

00:16:06 - How much did Chaunce research for her PCT hike?\xa0

00:17:00 - Elise\u2019s take on applying critical thinking when viewing social media content\xa0

00:18:30 - Blogging content vs. social media content\xa0

00:21:30 - Chaunce\u2019s defense of Instagram\xa0

00:22:52 - Elise moderates and discusses Instagram serving as a highlight reel

00:23:54 - Example of people using Instagram negatively for educational purposes\xa0

00:25:00 - Using social media tools for inspiration\xa0

00:27:11 - Discussing the impact of diving into a thru-hike unprepared\xa0

00:28:18 - Elise\u2019s caveat to using social media for education\xa0

00:29:44 - YouTube being a powerful educator

00:30:10 - Tagging locations on Instagram\xa0

00:30:58 - Chaunce\u2019s pro-tagging stance\xa0

00:32:43 - Elise\u2019s tagging stance and how it relates to increase crowds in the outdoors\xa0

00:34:00 - How tagging locations relates to gatekeeping\xa0

00:35:11 - Nuances of the gatekeeping debate\xa0

00:36:46 - If you want to keep places private, why would you post about it to begin with?

00:39:25 - Chaunce\u2019s stance on requiring permits for overcrowded areas\xa0

00:41:25 - Elise\u2019s point on paid permits being exclusionary\xa0

00:44:23 - Pros and cons of Instagram influencing\xa0

00:46:26 - Financial motivation to be an influencer\xa0

00:53:45 - What are the benefits to growing your presence on Instagram?\xa0

00:59:00 - Elise\u2019s pros for growing her account\xa0

01:00:39 - Elise\u2019s cons for growing her accounts\xa0

01:01:30 - People misplacing their anger toward influencers\xa0

01:04:00 - Defining what constitutes as a \u201cpublic figure\u201d\xa0

01:07:45 - At what point do you accept you\u2019re a public figure?\xa0

01:08:53 - Elise\u2019s Guthook trolls story\xa0

01:11:10 - Opening yourself up to negativity\xa0

01:12:28 - Using hashtags to gain exposure\xa0

01:12:47 - Summary of pros and cons of Instagram influencing\xa0

01:14:55 - Thriving off of social media attention\xa0

01:15:45 - Pressures of entertaining fans\xa0

01:19:12 - Determining how comfortable you are with attention

01:22:12 - Can being an influencer impact your experience on trail?\xa0

01:27:42 - Instagram providing instant gratification\xa0

01:30:14 - Have you ever touched up a photo to alter your appearance?\xa0

01:31:20 - If you were sharing with friends, would you still edit the photo?\xa0

01:35:45 - Does Instagram make people more self-conscious about appearance?\xa0

01:42:11 - Is the influencer world having a negative impact in backpacking?\xa0

01:54:23 - The power of social media to influence positive change\xa0

01:59:51 - How Zach landed on his decision to decrease social media usage\xa0

02:06:51 - Zach, how do your opinions conflict with running the Trek\u2019s social pages?\xa0

02:08:50 - \u201cThe Social Dilemma\u201d documentary\xa0

02:10:49 - Chaunce\u2019s social media conclusion\xa0

02:16:10 - Being a good listener vs. solutioning\xa0

02:18:05 - Defining what good social media use is for you\xa0

02:22:17- Episode wrap-up\xa0

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