"I really needed to read this." : A study of themes and the role of the poets in Instagram poetry.

In this thesis I investigate central features in Instagram poetry based on the hypothesis that it is a new form of literary phenomenon. The study analyses six accounts on Instagram, all dedicated to Instagram poetry, as well as a selection of feature articles about Instagram poetry and interviews with the poets. Through this investigation, four aspects where considered: the themes of the poetry, the variety of roles Instagram poets play in relation to their poetry and their readers, how representation plays a part in some of these roles, as well as how the poetry takes place on the platform. The form and display of the poetry are examined further through an intermedial analysis of the relation between text, image, and the Instagram medium. This thesis argues that the themes of Instagram poetry are correlated with an assumption that the poet is honest and credible.Instagram poets play a crucial part in making the readers view their poetry as honest and credible, and they establish different roles to create and uphold that image. Through the intermedial analysis it has become clear that Instagram poets work with other aspects beside text, which is a quality of the poetry that has not been noticed in previous discussions and in dominant ideas of Instagram poetry. In conclusion, the thesis argues that Instagram poetry also shares traits with popular fiction and romance, in the poets’ aspiration to first of all connect with the readers and provide friendship, self-help, and comfort, through the poetry and the Instagram account