Why I deleted my Instagram Account?

From Mindless Scrolling to Mindful Stillness

Deleting my Instagram account in the pandemic year was one of the best decisions I ever made for my peace of mind. Ironically enough, when the world was in lockdown and online social connection became even more in demand, I decided to spend my time with myself and my loved ones.

The decision to take me off Instagram wasn't an easy one and of course, it didn't happen overnight. It's the consequence of a lot of self-reflection and after months of playing hide and seek with the platform, I once loved very much.

Just for the timeline's sake - I deactivated my Instagram account in Jan 2020, I activated the account twice within a few months before finally deleting it entirely in Jan'2021. It's been close to 7 months since I am living without an online social media life.

Now, here's why I deleted my IG account and what all has changed.

Less noisy stimulation, more controlled stimulation

Instagram and Snapchat are ranked worst social media platforms for mental health and productivity. You know that already, but what might surprise you is how subtly the cycle of instant gratification and exposure to enormous information dismantles your life.

I decided to deactivate the account because my phone's screen time was making me feel really guilty. I found myself constantly comparing myself with others, and I was always anxious. It may sound like a cliche but it's not, especially if you are a person who feels emotions intensely. My interaction with the platform was turning into a recipe for toxicity and I needed to do something about it. Posting pictures just for the sake of posting, avoiding real life for a digital persona. It all became a norm.

The better part of me was observing all this drama and kept nudging me here and there but I ignored all the signs until I couldn't anymore. So, I surrendered to my inner voice and chose silence instead of watching and being a part of the theatrics of social media life.

Starting with baby steps, I first deleted the app from my phone. Then, deactivated the account to finally deleting it.

One thing that I have realised over the last year on this social media detox journey is that as biological beings, we need the right balance of Dopamine and Serotonin for a healthy and happy life. Dopamine is the neurotransmitter that motivates you to move forward in life and Serotonin is a chemical that makes you feel content with life. We usually put Instagram and Dopamine together and blame the platform for playing with our brains. But, the truth is we need Dopamine, we need it for motivation, it's a chemical that drives us. And taking away it completely is not the right approach. We must swap the unhealthy ways of getting dopamine to healthy ones.

After getting bored in the first few weeks of my life without Instagram, I decided to stimulate my brain through reading books, learning new skills and opting for long term goals. I learned how to paint, re-decorated my home, tried a lot of new things. I deliberately kept my mind away from news and negativity. Pandemic has been difficult for everyone. And, making this choice to practise gratitude and acceptance on a daily basis kept my mind sane in more ways than one.

It’s funny how we get sucked into the rabbit hole of social media and forget that the quality of our lives depends on what we do on a daily basis. We forget how to take care of our minds and emotions. I am not hinting that you should make a drastic decision just like me but what I am trying to suggest is that you have complete control over what information reaches your brain. You don’t have to scroll through images and overwhelm your senses. You don’t have to seek motivation from scrolling the feed and get depleted afterwards. You have a choice, you just need to make a better one for yourself. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Less projection, more connection

To change and make better choices in life. It's important to understand

Who you are

Where you are and

Where do you want to go

"Who you are" is your identity. But if you are constantly projecting a persona online, how do you truly know who you are.

Even though we all try to be as authentic as we can online, there are nuances of our lives and our being that are not out there. All this happens very unconsciously as the algorithm of the Instagram platform generally encourages us to put only the good moments out there. We think we are sharing our lives, but we are actually sharing how we want the world to accept us. There is a glorified projected self with filters and a persona of its own.

The digital presentation of identity can be very detrimental to one's true sense of self. When I made my choice, I was at a point when the split was turning into an uncomfortable itch.

From mindless scrolling, I came to mindful stillness. The stillness empowered me to be with myself without seeking other people’s validation. And do things I cherish from my heart without posting about them. I can say I am in a better and healthy place now. Every day, I am learning and unlearning something new. I absolutely love the slow life with a true connection with my inner being. It’s my adventure ground for growth!

Would I ever go back to using Instagram?

Instagram is a great tool to reach out to people and share your stories. At this point in my life, I am better off not using it. But, I am human and I may change. You never know!

I hope you found this post helpful :)