I Quit Instagram

And I Feel Like I Got My Life Back

OK, I’ll be straight with you—

I deleted the app from my phone, but my account still exists.

Being a visual artist still requires some presence on the app (publishers take your account/followers into consideration, etc.), but—

I’m refusing to open the app unless I’m making a business-related post and then I GTFO.

Why Did I Decide To Quit Instagram?

Our attention is extremely valuable.

Before I quit Instagram (and Tik Tok months prior) I felt like my mind was no longer my own.

Even when I wasn’t on the apps I was worrying about the things I had seen on them.

Without any conscious choice the apps would suddenly be open again, in my hand.

I would scroll, and scroll, and scroll, then think: “This makes me feel so bad, why can’t I stop?”

Then the day would end and I’d wake up and do it all over again.

I was no longer in control with Instagram.

The program is factually addictive.

And much like other forms of addiction I could feel my self-esteem plummeting the more addicted I became.

Instagram Is Factually Addictive

Addiction is a complicated sickness, but there’s something particularly nefarious about media addictions.

It’s not just some substance your body craves.

It’s people actively abusing you for profit. And not just anyone— it’s the wealthiest people in the entire world utilizing an arsenal of scientists to trick you into staying against your better judgment.

It feels very David and Goliath to me.

I do believe that social media apps like Instagram can be very useful tools.

I just also believe that these tools are run by borderline sociopaths whose primary intention is to bleed us dry for profit.

And I’m not Saying Substack Isn’t With It’s Flaws

Substack is infamously under fire for allowing Nazis and white nationalists to spread disturbing content on their platform, which I think is, obviously, gross.

The people who run Substack like to say they're not moderating the Nazi content for “free speech” reasons, but I don’t think any of us are dumb enough to fall for that bullshit.

Unless “free speech” is code for “More money. MORE MONEY! GIVE ME MORE MONEY!!!!!” I don’t buy it.

But hey, this is the modern internet and our options are limited and loaded with flaws.

I also ablsolutely 🧡LOVE🧡 connecting with you all.

It’s what kept me on Instagram for so long.

I did and do very much love making connections with cool people from all over the world.

It’s beautiful and heartwarming and there’s importance and value there.

If You Enjoy Instagram, Don’t Let Me Yuck Your Yum

I am writing from my personal experience, not yours.

If you feel good about your relationship with Instagram I hope you continue to thrive on the platform and live your best life.

But for me, Instagram was a wolf in sheep’s clothing.

It stalked my ever-waking moment and stole precious life away from me that I don’t feel like I was fully consenting to.

How I’ve Replaced My Instagram Time

I have been:

Cooking, baking, drawing, painting, talking to friends, playing with my baby, journaling, reading books, and (the ultimate boss of not numbing out)— silently contemplating my lived experience.

I would love to add more to this list. I’d love to do more scary things with my newfound time and brainspace.

Ultimately I really, really, really, want to figure out a sustainable way to participate in my local government and city.

I don’t want to be manipulated by those with the golden loud speakers anymore.

I want to learn to thrive and fight back on my own terms.

We only have one life to live and it is so, so short.

Comments (Let’s Chat!):

• What is your relationship to social media?

  • Does it feel healthy or no?

  • Do you use Instagram?

    • What kind of user are you?

      • (Addicted, moderate user, light user, etc.)

• Have you been feeling an urge to escape social media like me?

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