Meet Alexa, a 24-year-old who has made Instagram a central part of her life, even if at times she wishes it were not so. What happens when she meets a guy who doesn’t share her enthusiasm for social media?

Alexa was in the midst of picking a dress for a party, a process that often takes longer than expected as she gets caught up in every detail. Though she was running late, she was not overly concerned, as lateness is common among her friends—except for her boyfriend, Olly, who is punctual and already at the venue. She felt a bit guilty since he was attending solely to support her. The outfit choice was crucial; it had to look right not just for herself, but also for the inevitable photos that would be taken. She had even sought her followers' opinions on Instagram Stories, which disappear after a day, with a collection of dresses strewn across her bed.

The event was a press launch for 64Facets, a company specializing in ethical jewelry, selling conflict-free diamond pieces priced at over $10,000. Held at a lavish bar in Blakes, South Kensington, every detail mattered, especially how she would appear in the numerous photographs. Faced with choices like a flowy dress that allowed for comfort or one that covered her arms—a feature she often preferred to conceal—she struggled to decide. This was a familiar pattern for her; she would try on everything, panic, and revert back to the first outfit just as her Uber arrived. She had mastered the art of the blogger pose, which involved positioning her knee to elongate her legs, a technique distinct from the Kardashian-style mirror selfie that highlights curves. Makeup was straightforward for her, favoring a consistent style of cat eyes and contoured cheeks, inspired by the Kardashians, whom she ironically claims not to care about.

Despite her past insecurities about her legs, Alexa had resolved not to wear tights—something she had rarely done before.

Alexa Abraham, known on Instagram as @alexa.abraham, is a petite woman with straight dark hair that frames her face. Her name is a coincidence with Amazon's virtual assistant, which once upset her when she realized her boss had hired her partly for that reason. Originally from New York, she grew up in London, and her family has since returned to the States. At times, she grapples with her identity, feeling caught between cultures, especially as she does not fully grasp American references due to her upbringing in London. Conversely, she finds certain British norms puzzling, like the limited options for healthy food and gym equipment.

Residing in a shared flat on the third floor of an ex-council block in west London, the building has a somewhat shabby exterior with concrete staircases and faded balconies. However, the interior boasts a vibrant red kitchen and two en-suite bathrooms, kept spotless by Alexa's penchant for tidiness. Currently, her father, a former banker, covers her rent while she works at a PR startup named Prezzroom, where she represents wellness and fitness brands like KIN Nutrition and Boundless Nuts. She began there as an intern a year ago, having to script her cold calls. Over time, she discovered her talent for attracting clients via Instagram, leading to her promotion to co-founder.

Since graduating in 2017, Alexa has undergone a transformation. Once shy and hesitant to wear revealing clothing, she now confidently shares photos of her abs and frequently updates her Instagram story. A year prior, she had just met Olly at a bar, and now she was preparing for a weekend trip to Dorset to meet his family.

Olly, two-and-a-half years her senior, has a warm demeanor, dark blonde hair, and a penchant for well-pressed shirts. He attended a boarding school in the countryside before studying at a local grammar school. Unlike Alexa, who juggles her work in various locations, he works in finance and maintains a meat-inclusive diet, whereas she is mostly pescatarian.

Initially, Olly found her constant online presence intrusive and rude. He had clung to his BlackBerry for years, viewing social media primarily as a way to document events rather than to curate an idealized self. Alexa, however, taught him how to enhance his online presence, transforming mundane posts into visually appealing content.

The differences in their online habits caused some tension early in their relationship, but they learned to adapt. Olly now understands the significance of Instagram in Alexa's life and supports her by participating in her posts, even planning outings that would yield good content. Alexa, in turn, has learned to put her phone away when they're together, recognizing its importance to him.

As they prepared for their trip to Dorset, both felt a mix of excitement and nerves. Alexa was eager to make a good impression, while Olly worried about her adapting to his family's unique dynamics, which included peculiar in-jokes and a boisterous atmosphere.

Alexa aspires to expand her influence online. Currently, she represents brands like Seeing Things and Hanx, a vegan condom company. If she can grow her following significantly, she dreams of transitioning to YouTube, inspired by creators like Grace Fit UK and Anna Akana. Despite her past interest in gaming, she finds her niche in the wellness and fitness community on Instagram.

She also engages with LinkedIn for professional networking, Tumblr for personal expression, and Twitter for news and updates. However, Instagram remains her primary platform, serving as both her lifeline and her means of income.

Since joining Instagram in March 2014, she has posted almost 600 times and amassed around 1,500 followers. Recently, she has noticed a correlation between her posts and follower growth, leading to heightened anxiety about her content. What used to be spontaneous has become a careful consideration of how her posts will be perceived, especially concerning influential figures in her network.

Although some old friends may view her posts with judgment, the fitness community on Instagram normalizes such content. She finds inspiration in their consistency, though she acknowledges that outsiders might view her differently.

Alexa prefers using Instagram Stories for their perceived authenticity, allowing her to connect more genuinely with her audience. Positive feedback from followers reinforces her desire to maintain a relatable online persona.

Her journey with the internet began at 13, a time of exploration and connection with friends online. Despite strict parenting, her passion for the digital world only grew. In contrast, her younger siblings approach social media differently and tease her for her relentless posting.

One sunny morning, a package arrived containing activewear, showcasing the omnipresence of online shopping in her life. Despite loving deliveries, she often feels overwhelmed by returns and the logistics of mailing items. Her bedroom is a testament to subscription services, filled with boxes from various brands.

After donning her new outfit, she headed to her local gym, where she selects workouts based on her mood. Though her gym routine has waned in recent months, she finds it more enjoyable when she works out with Olly to avoid unwanted attention.

At a friend's birthday gathering, conversations veered toward pressing societal issues, revealing the complex dynamics of their peer group. Amid laughter and camaraderie, Alexa enjoyed the freedom of celebrating with friends, even as discussions turned serious.

Amid her busy life, Alexa grapples with anxiety over her career and personal expectations. Once primarily focused on her physical appearance, her concerns have shifted towards professional success and the pressures of adulthood. A past panic attack during graduation lingers in her memory, symbolizing her fears of inadequacy and failure.

Despite societal pressures, Alexa recognizes the value of openness surrounding mental health. Her generation is breaking the silence on issues that were once taboo, fostering discussions that empower individuals to share their experiences.

As she stood before the mirror, contemplating her outfit for the ethical-diamond event, she reflected on the desire for a simpler existence without the complexities of technology.

With notifications piling up, she hurriedly selected a dress and headed out to the event, where guests received champagne and had the chance to win exclusive jewelry pieces.

Olly contemplated the significance of their relationship as they mingled at the party, discussing future plans, including moving in together. Their connection deepened, marked by shared experiences and laughter throughout the evening.

The aftermath of the night unfolded on Alexa’s Instagram Story, capturing moments of joy and spontaneity. Growing up in the digital era, she feels the weight of being constantly observed, yet finds solace in the community that social media fosters.

Despite the pressures of maintaining an online presence, she embraces the opportunity to express herself and connect with others. The weekend in Dorset solidified her bond with Olly’s family and highlighted the importance of authenticity in her life.

Ultimately, Alexa’s journey is a testament to the complexities of modern life, where social media plays a pivotal role in shaping identities and relationships. Through it all, she strives to find balance and remain true to herself, navigating the challenges of a digital world.