Instagram is a phenomenon, it has over one billion active users. However for many people, the app’s algorithm and its battle with privacy have led to some less-than-satisfactory consequences. As we enter into a new era of social media apps without borders, should you stop using Instagram?
Instagram is a social media platform that allows users to share photos and videos with their followers. The platform has been known for its controversial content, but there are many reasons why you should stop using Instagram. Read more in detail here: how to stop using instagram for awhile.
Instagram is one of the most widely used and well-liked social media networks, and I’m here to warn you that you could be better off without it. You may wonder why you should even quit using Instagram.
I asked myself the same question and came to the conclusion that we should separate ways. It’s odd that this choice happened two years after I stopped using Facebook, rather than sooner. It’s all part of my current social detox and “reclaim my life” mindset, and I have to admit, it’s feeling really nice.
I really quit using Instagram three weeks ago, immediately deleting my personal account. Three weeks later, I have nothing to complain about.
Yes, not having Instagram update every 20 minutes or so was challenging, but generally, I feel much better.
Why did I decide to deactivate my Instagram account?
There are a number of elements that have persuaded me that it’s time to say goodbye to Instagram (and all my other social media platforms). To summarize, I left Instagram because it was too time consuming (providing no actual value in return), stressful (due to the fake/ideal life sharing that you see there), and it didn’t help me develop as a person.
Let’s take a closer look at each of these arguments below!
1. Time
The most significant reason to quit using Instagram is because it takes up too much of your time. Actually, there isn’t much of it.
You don’t see it, and you don’t feel it, yet you wind up wasting a lot of time on social media sites like Instagram. If you don’t already have one, get a time monitoring app for your phone and you’ll be startled to see that you spend hours on Instagram.
Which may be OK if you’re an influencer with a following to amuse and care for. However, the most of us, including me, are not. My personal Instagram account seemed to be utilized only for the purpose of… well, wasting time.
Even if I’m only a man in his mid-30s with a small number of followers — and a comparable number of people following me. Nonetheless, I continue to be inundated with information from my pals. I have to respond to the remarks. I feel compelled to add my two cents. Keep an eye on the news. Photos are a good example. Communicate with folks I don’t know all that well.
I can’t image how much time the more active males (and particularly ladies) would have to spend on Instagram every day, between creating content and reacting to hundreds of comments and personal messages!
Even if you’re just a lurker, you’ll find yourself spending a significant amount of time on the site. Install a time tracking app on your smartphone and you’ll be surprised.
I was ecstatic when I discovered that I had spent three hours on the platform on an usually busy Wednesday. Now I understand why I never appeared to have enough time to complete tasks!
2. It’s just a fictitious/idealized world that makes you unhappy.
For people with poor self-esteem or anxiety difficulties, Instagram is not the ideal place to be. Even if you don’t have any of these issues, it may be rather gloomy.
Everyone flaunts their way of life, their excellent looks, their fantastic lifestyles and ideal soulmates, their immaculate homes and angelic dogs.
On Instagram, everything is flawless and gorgeous. The women are always stunning. The males are the same way.
And there I am, gazing in the mirror, with puffy eyes, unkempt hair, and a beard in desperate need of trimming. All while wearing my sagging (but oh-so-comfy) pajamas. Next door, my child is wailing. My dog urinated on the carpet once again. My wife forgot about the supper in the oven, which has now burnt to a crisp.
I’m probably exaggerating a little here (guess where I learnt this?) However, you get the concept.
Life is seldom as wonderful and lovely as it seems on Instagram.
Even though I know that, even though I know how those drop-dead gorgeous females appear in real life, even though I personally know that some of the flawless relationships shown on Instagram are on the edge of collapsing, seeing all that beauty, picture after photo, upsets me a lot.
Not because I see other people being happy (I know at least some of them aren’t! ), but because my life doesn’t seem to be anywhere like as great as theirs.
Everything is always flawless and wonderful on Instagram. Even if you know it’s not true, you come to believe it is. But it has an effect on you, and it can be rather gloomy.
So, why are you torturing yourself like this?
3. It does not allow you to develop as a person.
At the end of the day, we humans should constantly be looking for ways to improve. To improve, brighten, and eventually be happier. In my case – and I’m sure I’m not alone – Instagram was far from helpful in this regard.
Yes, I recognize the amusement value it gave. It satisfies one’s curiosity. Smiles, conversations, and a sense of belonging, of being there and having friends, of being a part of something.
However, this does not help you develop as a person. After a while, it’s not even soothing, and it wastes time that might be spent being more productive and making something better of your life.
So, why do it again?
We tend to cling to Instagram or other social networking platforms simply because we are used to them. Because all of our pals will be present. We’re afraid of missing out because we’re afraid of missing out.
Is any of that true, though? No, it isn’t. If you quit using Instagram, you won’t lose much (if anything at all). Instead, I’d argue that you get more – more time, more sanity.
But I haven’t lost a single buddy in the three weeks since I quit using Instagram. I didn’t miss out on anything significant, and I have no regrets. I continue to meet with the same persons as before. I still chat on the phone with the same individuals. I continue to communicate with people and am an active participant in this world. There has been no change.
Aside from the fact that I am now more rested and tend to do more during the day. Plus, I no longer have second thoughts about how I live my life, about its quality, and I never have to worry about my swollen eyes after a night out with the boys not receiving 100 likes in the first hour.
Is it true that Instagram is a complete waste of time?
Certainly not. Instagram is a source of income for some individuals. Others rely on it to maintain their existing lifestyle. Instagram is a lifesaver for such people.
However, the majority of people do not fall into this category. We’re not the 1%; we’re the ones who follow. We’re the fans, living in our own little worlds where we think we’re important.
That is exactly what we are doing. Others take notice of us!
We don’t need Instagram to remind us of that, however. We don’t need affirmation, reaffirmation, or other such things to enhance our egos. It’s all made up, part of a made-up world produced by individuals who are too preoccupied with retouching their images to make them appear beautiful and painting a made-up, ideal existence… too preoccupied to really make their lives great.
On Instagram, YOLO and FOMO go hand in hand, but most people are unaware that real life – and the things that really count – take place outside of the social media network. And being afraid of missing out on anything can cause you to lose out on chances to enhance your real life, grow as a person, and ultimately be happy.
At least, that’s what I’ve come to in the three weeks since I chose to deactivate my Instagram account and cease using it.
But, what are your thoughts? Is Instagram a platform you should constantly be on, or do you think it would be better if you didn’t use it? I’m genuinely interested to hear what other folks have to say about this.
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Instagram is one of the most popular social media platforms, with over 1 billion monthly active users. However, it has been criticized for its privacy issues and lack of features. Should you stop using Instagram? My personal experience. Reference: benefits of quitting instagram.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I stop using Instagram?
A: Instagram is a toxic platform filled with trolls and fake accounts. You should stop using it to help you save your sanity and mental health.
Should I give up on Instagram?
A: No, Instagram is a great social media platform for teens and adults. Just beware of the quality of your posts-its important to keep in mind that as you grow older people will want more mature content and not just photos with friends doing silly things.
What are the disadvantages of Instagram?
A: One disadvantage is that Instagram is primarily used on mobile devices. This means your posts are only visible to people who have the app downloaded, and not everyone has a smartphone or tablet. Another downside of Instagram is its lack of structure in terms of content management which makes it difficult for businesses to use as an advertising platform whereas Facebook does provide more control over how ads appear on the site.
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