NEW YORK (AP) — I started using Instagram in late 2011 and was instantly hooked. I have always loved taking pictures but have felt overwhelmed by all the adjustment options offered by apps such as Snapseed and Camera+.

Instagram made it easy. After snapping a picture, I could simply add a filter or hit the “lux” button. Voila! A slightly heightened version of reality — usually pictures of flowers or street scenes — went out to all my Instagram followers.