I’m not much of an Instagram fan, but I’ve seen firsthand the struggle to gather up all them likes.

Sunset – 25 likes, cute dog picture – 40 likes, bikini shot holding a glass of wine in the pool – congrats, you’ve hit the half-century mark.

Then out of nowhere comes a certain Louise Delage, whose Instagram account (HERE) blew up almost overnight.

In just over two months her follower count has risen to close on 50 000, photos of her enjoying a beverage now and again racking up the likes and proving very popular.

A few examples for your perusal:

So an attractive Parisian lady racking up Instagram followers – what’s the fuss? Here’s DesignTaxi:

…the truth behind this overnight sensation is much more unsettling—beyond her perfect Instagram feed where she is always seen with a drink, most of us would not have suspected that Delange is suffering from an alcohol addiction, much less guess that she is not even real.

Created by BETC for Addict Aide, Louise Delage is the product of ‘Like My Addiction’, a campaign urging social media users to look beyond the pretty images we see online, and spot warning signs of addiction, especially in family and friends.

Their video to drive home the point:

Here’s what BETC president and creative director Stéphane Xiberras had to say, according to Adweek:

“Hopefully the campaign has served as an eye-opener for some,” Xiberras says. “I hope they will contact Addict Aide or other local organizations working to help people struggling with addiction.”

And if you’re having trouble gauging whether somebody’s an addict, or just living it up, he’s got a useful tell: “Sometimes it seems like in this era, the more people stage their ideal life on social media, the more that serves to hide a not-so-ideal reality.”

I’ll cheers to that.

If you or a loved one are in need of help ring Alcoholics Anonymous SA on their national helpline – 0861 HELPAA (435 722).

[sources:designtaxi&adweek]