My impression is that the popularity of Instagram filters is to cover up for the fact that 1) the image sensors for the iPhone (and other brands) are inferior t

My impression is that the popularity of Instagram filters is to cover up for the fact that 1) the image sensors for the iPhone (and other brands) are inferior to those found in DSLR cameras, 2) that the average user is an untrained photographer, 3) most photos are taken indoors with poor lighting, and 4) the average photo is boring. Instagram filters quickly add interest to photos and mask poor lighting and noise.