This commentary assumes, as its driving premise, that most users of apps like Instagram really care about data fidelity or picture quality as measured on a scal

This commentary assumes, as its driving premise, that most users of apps like Instagram really care about data fidelity or picture quality as measured on a scale not immediately perceptible to them. I would wager that they don't. Furthermore, I take issue with the assertion that putting a cute filter on a photo is "destroying" its quality. To the users of Instagram, they're finishing the photo by doing that. It's part and parcel of the final product. The photo is not destroyed or degraded with the filter; it's made by the filter. Not everyone (and, in fact, and perhaps a bit unfortunately, most people) cares about quality. They'll take fun and convenience every time. This is why you see people still using MP3s or lossy AACs on iTunes, for instance, and not filling up drive after drive with lossless rips directly from CDs. A lot of folks just want ease and fun and sharing, and there's nothing wrong with that in principle.