Understanding Multimodality on Instagram

Look at the Instagram post below. Which modes are being used in this post?

• Only visual and written text

• Visual, written, and symbolic (emojis, hashtags)

• Audio only

• Only written text

Multimodal texts always include images.

• True

• False

What elements in this story make it multimodal?

Which of the following captions uses multimodality most effectively to express emotion?

• I’m happy.

• So excited!!! 😍🎉🌟 #bestdayever

• Feeling good.

• Nice.

Why is this considered a multimodal text?

• Because it’s a video

• Because it combines movement, music, and text

• Because it uses hashtags

• Because it’s short

Instagram is a ________ platform because it allows users to communicate using text, images, audio, and other media.

Why do you think people use more than just words (like emojis, videos, filters) when they post on Instagram?

Imagine you are promoting a school event on Instagram. Which combination would make your post more effective and multimodal?

• Only a long paragraph of text

• A picture with no explanation

• A photo, a short caption with emojis, and a hashtag

• Only hashtags

Complete the sentence: “Multimodal texts are powerful because they allow us to communicate using __________, __________, and __________.”

What is the main purpose of a hashtag in a post?

• Make the post longer

• Hide meaning

• Categorize content and connect with other users

• Add a secret message