To be annoyed when asked if my picture can be taken to promote someone else's business on Instagram?

[petpeevesgalore]

I've had this happen more and more often. You attend an activity, course or event. You are having a reasonably good time and enjoying the experience. Then all of a sudden or towards the end, the organiser or business owner asks attendees if they wouldn't mind having their picture taken to post on Instagram.

This puts me right off. I feel like an animal in a zoo, dehumanised and feel not much more than marketing material to line somebody else's pockets.

I'm prepared to be told I'm totally overthinking this and IABU. But that's how I feel.

What are your views on this?

*your

Actually I sort of agree with you OP. I went to a new fitness class last year and when booking online was told I would be asked to sign a permission form for photos and videos of the class to be used in publicity.

I assumed the form would give the option to agree or decline (as schools etc... do) but on arrival the form I was given only offered the option to agree and I was told very explicitly that if I didn't sign to agree to images and videos being used on social media then I wouldn't be allowed to participate in the class, despite already having paid.

I was with a friend who for various reasons can't have her image shared on social media so we both had to leave and lose our payment.

Needless to say we haven't been back.

Surely it's no different to bring invited to leave a Trip Advisor review after a meal/holiday or complete a service survey from a receipt?

The service provider will entirely be expecting a % of those they ask to politely decline.

For you to feel "deflated " seems like an unusually over reaction OP.

"No thanks" is a polite and complete response. I suggest you practice it.

It’s your own self that is giving you those feelings though. Just simply decline and then let it go you really do not need to be giving something so simple so much power to ruin your day.

How do you cope with genuine problems? Just wondering as having a meltdown about something so benign is ott, I can’t imagine how you would handle a real issue

The feeling of
Being used 🤣🤣🤣

Classic MN

I assumed the form would give the option to agree or decline (as schools etc... do) but on arrival the form I was given only offered the option to agree and I was told very explicitly that if I didn't sign to agree to images and videos being used on social media then I wouldn't be allowed to participate in the class, despite already having paid.

///

Whereas this is quite different and doesn't feel entirely legal (GDPR maybe?).

That's a completely different experience to the one described by the OP. You have every right to be annoyed under those circumstances and I would have felt the same.

Presumably you found out about these businesses or events through some kind of marketing material. You say you’re enjoying them, so you think the organizer has done a good job. So what is your problem with the organizer “lining their pockets” aka earning an income from the business they created and which you have enjoyed using?

They haven’t done anything wrong or immoral, and you appreciated their service, so it’s hard to understand why you have taken against them wishing to further promote their service through images of their own genuinely satisfied customers. Do you feel angered if someone sends you a feedback form that asks your permission to use positive feedback or reviews as a testimonial? It seems sad that your experience is “ruined” when someone essentially asks you for support for their business that has by your own account done a good job.

@bigdecisionstomake i had a similar experience to you. Like your friend there are reasons I do not/cannot be photographed beyond I just don’t want it.

usually a group/class/event will ask permission and I will decline. No harm done and they will take pictures around me. I had one at a swimming class where I knew this would be harder so was happy to be a head bobbing in the back ground but not at the front and focus. They understood.

however there was one group, who just took the photos and put them on social media. I was not happy. 1. Obviously my photo was used without my permission and 2. The group was absolutely awful and hated being associated with “look at how great we are”. I only went the once I could bring myself to go back.

Once they are out there I find it harder to say take it down than I do to say no beforehand.

So they can market and offer more events. If people aren't aware of the events they won't be able to host more

I'm having a lovely time but don't particularly like having my photo taken or put online so no thank you!

I also resent being put in a situation where I have to say this and be seen like a weirdo

And thus is your problem

I always say no, you calling me a weirdo?

I get you @petpeevesgalore . had similiar a few months ago, something I'd paid for, wasn't impressed by the 'service received' and didn't want to be 'used' for marketing purposes. the puff piece has just came out to promote service, full of half truths and im glad I said no. btw was made to feel v uncharitable as they'd booked a marketing /pr person (for a fucking service I paid for!!!!) still annoyed lol

Where are people going where they're being regularly asked if their pictures can be put on Instagram? This has literally never happened to me.

Oh dear I don't think they are using you they just want to take your picture ! Very precious of you how was your childhood

This

Just smile, say 'no thank you' and continue with your day. It's not that deep for them so it shouldn't be for you.

I know what you mean, op. At least they are asking, I suppose. At a restaurant I went to recently, the chef came out while we were eating with a long request for us to write up a review. I felt sorry for him, and did a good review, but it did spoil the meal out. The worst is the bloody facebook photos. Our town has so many photographers that you can't join anything without your photo being splattered all over the local community facebook page. Puts me right off.

Yes Op it is annoying, I get it all the time 🙄

Dehumanised? Bloody hell 😂

But that isn't how they'd perceive you and if they did, well, they are a bit of a knob and unfortunately there are people like that in every day life.

Honestly OP ... start working on small ways to be more assertive ... you'll feel much better for it.

I mean, just stop going out at this point

At least they did ask.

No one would think you’re a weirdo for saying no; it’s quite common to decline.

You’re overthinking it.

Do you never use social media to check a business or service? Never left a review (satisfied or otherwise) anywhere? Do you feel the same if asked to fill in a survey about your experience?