In the early 2010s, Instagram became the go-to app for sharing party pics and sneaking peeks into friends’ lives. The buzz around social media wasn’t all fun, though. Research warned of its potential impact on mental health, linking it to increased feelings of inadequacy and anxiety. I found myself trapped in the cycle of comparing my day-to-day life to my friends’ curated highlights. It got so bad that I spent an entire day just scrolling through photos, neglecting my basic needs like eating and staying warm. Finally, I decided to delete the app.
At first, I didn’t announce my break from Instagram. When friends brought up something from the app, I often felt lost. While they celebrated birthdays and trips, I got a strange thrill from being blissfully unaware of the details in their lives. It felt liberating, like shedding a heavy coat on a warm spring day.
I did need to find new ways to cope with boredom or anxiety. Netflix and YouTube filled some gaps, but they didn’t hold my attention like Instagram did. The absence of the app made me question my connections. Would I miss keep up with friends? Would I still meet new people? Surprisingly, I soon found others who also didn’t prioritize social media. Even famous names like Brad Pitt skipped Instagram, showing it was possible to lead a fulfilling life without being online.
After a few years, curiosity pulled me back to Instagram. While trying to connect with new friends, the constant question about my handle made me rethink my absence. I started a new account, hoping to stay in touch. However, I was hit by a flood of content, from TikTok-style Reels to influencers promoting every topic under the sun. I thought I was above it all, but I quickly fell for the app’s spell again.
Life without Instagram wasn’t a magical paradise. I didn’t find enlightenment or overcome all my insecurities. I was still just human, facing all the ups and downs of daily life. Instagram has its upsides, shining a light on shared struggles and political movements. For example, a recent study showed that communities formed online can lead to real-world activism, with 65% of people reporting they felt empowered to advocate for causes through social media.
Yet, the negative aspects didn’t disappear. Sometimes, a post would send me spiraling, making me question myself yet again. I had unknowingly trained my mind to detach when my life felt overwhelming. When I felt that pull to scroll endlessly, I learned to pause and breathe deeply—like a moment in yoga, bringing me back to myself.
I’ve been back on Instagram for a while, but I keep my distance. I don’t have the app on my phone; I log in only on my laptop. This boundary lets me enjoy the platform’s benefits without being consumed by it. Each time I notice I’m spending too long online, I take a moment to breathe and reconnect with myself.
In the end, it’s all about finding balance. We can engage with social media without letting it define us. Life’s essential truths are found in our experiences, not just through a screen. Through this journey, I’ve learned that while social media can enrich our lives, it’s crucial to prioritize our well-being above the allure of likes and shares.
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parent_category: Lifestyle,tag: evergreen,type: article
