Deleted Instagram: 30 Day Social Media Detox
The Instagram Psyop
Instagram often presents an idealised version of people’s lives, showcasing travel, fashion, fitness, and other aspirational content. But could this be influencing people to believe that this lifestyle is normal? And is it creating unrealistic expectations for an entire generation of app users? Let’s dig deeper.
The Beginning of IG
Instagram was launched on October 6, 2010. Its user base grew rapidly, leading to its acquisition by Facebook in April 2012 for approximately $1 billion. Since its launch, Instagram has undergone numerous updates, introducing features such as Stories, IGTV, and Reels. As a result, it has become one of the most widely used social media platforms globally.
IG’s User Base
Instagram currently boasts a massive 2.4 billion monthly active users (MAUs) as of January 2024. This staggering number represents nearly 45.28% of the world’s 5.07 billion internet users accessing the platform every month. It’s safe to say that Instagram wields significant influence over a considerable portion of the global population, particularly amongst the younger demographics.
Instagrams largest user demographic consists of people aged 18 to 34 years old. Features like Stories, Reels, Messenger (it goes down in the dm’s), and the Explore page contribute to actively engaging users. But what is it about Instagram that makes it so appealing?
What Caused The Rise of Instagram?
The app has successfully capitalised on the human desire for self-expression by allowing users to curate a visual identity through their profile. We saw the rise of social media influencers who built vast audiences sharing their perspectives, talents and lifestyles. This can be an amazing way to build a community around something you love by sharing your knowledge.
While these are positive aspects of the platform, the act of gaining likes, comments, and followers can also serve as a measure of social validation and popularity. Some users may seek affirmation through high engagement numbers, which can reinforce certain behaviours and feed the desire for attention. This can create a feedback loop where users are motivated to continue posting the kind of content which the algorithm favours and generates the most attention.
Personalised Algorithms
Instagram’s Explore page utilises a powerful algorithm to curate content tailored to individual user interests. This personalised content discovery feature keeps users engaged by showcasing relevant and appealing content, and in recent years, specifically short form video content. Yeah the kind that fries your dopamine receptors and reduces your attention span to that of a house fly.
Is Social Media Making Us Less Social?
Despite all the obvious benefits of social networking, in many ways, being more social online, has made us less social in real life. Could it be that being so connected to everyones digital lives on a daily basis makes us less inclined to call a friend to catch up in person, because we’ve already seen all their recent stories and posts?
So I decided to do an experiment, by challenging myself to not use the app for 30 days. I deleted it from my phone so I couldn’t access it. At first I wondered “would I still hear from people? or would I feel disconnected?”…Here’s what happened.
Goodbye Scroll, Hello World
Since uninstalling Instagram, I noticed a significant decrease in phone usage. Previously, I’d catch myself mindlessly scrolling whilst eating breakfast or when I should be sleeping. Now, I only take out my phone for necessary activities like sending emails, making calls, messaging or recording voice notes.
Deleting the app freed up more headspace, this break allowed me to reflect, and have the mental space to be more creative and inspired. I found myself playing the guitar more often, reading more, or just sparking up a conversation with someone because I was no longer distracted by my phone.
The Side Effects Of Being Constantly Connected
Smart phones and social media allow us to be connected 24/7, and this for sure has it’s benefits. But if not kept in check, the feeling of always being reachable can induce issues such as insomnia, anxiety, heightened stress levels and the inability to switch off.
We live in a world where we can’t just sit and just ‘be’ in the present moment. If we’re not doing anything for longer than 30 seconds, we reach for our phones and start checking the notifications, it becomes a habit. The first time I deleted Instagram, I went to check and it wasn’t there, I instantly felt relieved. It felt like one less thing to think about.
The value you get from long form content like a podcast or a documentary is so much greater than a 60 second Reel, there is so much more to learn from it. Plus you can get to know and understand the creator at a deeper, less superficial level.
The Real Value of Instagram
I believe Instagram’s true value lies in two things if used correctly. Number 1 and the most common one, is as a dating app. It can be a fantastic tool for meeting new people if your profile is set up correctly. Number 2; is to use Instagram as business tool. If you have a business or are trying to start a business, Instagram can be a great place to promote your products and services if that’s where your target users are hanging out. If you’re not using it for these purposes, consider whether you are using the app for entertainment or for validation, in which case you’re better off without it.
Focus On What Really Matters
Every so often we need a moment to step back and take an aerial view of what’s serving us, and where our time could be spent better. As someone with a full-time job and hobbies, time is valuable and scarce. The less we focus on things that don’t matter, the more we can focus on the things that truly serve us.
If you’ve been contemplating a social media detox, maybe you feel stressed or overwhelmed, or you have problems sleeping. Maybe it’s time to take that step.
Until next time, take care.
Sam Horton