One of the biggest surprises of 2023 comes from the 3rd Highest Google search:
"How to delete your Instagram"
Yes it is actually the 3rd highest.
One minute it's on top of the world, the next everyone is looking for the exit.
We have all been there, scrolling on The Gram. Then one day it hits us: Wait.... how much time am I spending on this app???!
Usually, this reality hits hard and we go into reaction mode and either bury it in the back of our phone apps, or decide to delete it all together claiming its evil and spawn from the depths below. Only to reload it a few weeks later and begin the cycle all over again.
But what if there is a way to manage it, and not let it manage us?
To do this first we look at the pros and cons of Instagram and then in conclusion review some practical options that might work better to manage it.
The Pros
1. Increased Privacy:
One of the primary reasons individuals opt to delete their Instagram accounts is to regain control over their privacy. Instagram's default settings often lean towards a more public profile, making personal information and posts easily accessible to a wide audience. Deleting your account ensures that your content is no longer visible to the public, offering a sense of relief for those who value their privacy.
2. Time Management:
Instagram is notorious for being a gigantic time suck. Endless scrolling, notifications, and the constant urge to check for updates can easily lead to hours of wasted time every day. By deleting your account, you reclaim that time, using it for more meaningful and productive real-life activities.
3. Improved Mental Health:
Social media can have a profound impact on mental health, with studies suggesting a connection between excessive social media use and increased levels of anxiety and depression. Deleting Instagram eliminates a potential source of comparison, cyberbullying, and the pressure to conform to unrealistic standards, promoting a healthier state of mind.
4. Reduced FOMO (Fear of Missing Out):
Instagram often serves as a window into the seemingly perfect lives of others, fostering a sense of FOMO. By disconnecting from the platform, you remove the constant reminder of events and experiences you may not be a part of, allowing you to focus on your own life without unnecessary comparisons.
5. Less Distraction:
Instagram's addictive nature can be a significant distraction, affecting work, relationships, and personal growth. Deleting your account eliminates a major source of distraction, enabling you to concentrate on tasks at hand and fostering a more focused and productive lifestyle.
The Cons
1. Loss of Social Connection:
Instagram is a powerful tool for staying connected with friends, family, and colleagues. Deleting your account means severing these ties, potentially leading to a sense of isolation. Important life events, updates, and shared moments may be missed, impacting the depth of your relationships.
2. Impact on Personal Branding:
For influencers, businesses, and creatives, Instagram serves as a vital platform for building and maintaining a personal brand. Deleting an account might result in a loss of audience, opportunities, and the ability to showcase one's work or products to a broad audience.
3. Missed Opportunities:
Instagram is not only a social platform but also a marketplace for various opportunities. Whether it's networking, job opportunities, or collaborations, deleting your account could mean missing out on potential career advancements or personal growth.
4. Limited Social Influence:
Activists, advocates, and individuals passionate about causes often leverage Instagram's reach to amplify their voices and raise awareness. Deleting your account may limit your ability to contribute to social change and share important messages with a broad audience.
5. Memory Erasure:
Instagram serves as a digital diary for many, capturing moments and memories. Deleting your account means saying goodbye to this timeline and seeing your growth along your journey of life, erasing not only the content but also the memories.
Conclusion (And Options)
Instagram stands out as one of the world's most influential platforms, connecting globally through captivating photos and videos.
So before rushing to the delete button, here are some practical things that you might want to try first:
1. Be a Producer, Not a Consumer. This is by far the best way to use Instagram and all Social Media, coincidentally, this mindset also works in business and finances too. Letting your light shine can help inspire others, and you are setting an example by using the platform in a positive way.
2. Set a time limiter on the App. Almost all smartphones can tell you how much time you're spending on each app, so you have an option to have it turn off automatically when the timer hits 30 minutes or 1 hour per day, etc.
3. Set your profile to Private. That way you can just keep up with close friends and family if you have too many weirdos sending dms or rude comments. The drawback to this is you may miss opportunities to connect and network.
The choices are yours, however if you are looking for help in growing, we are here for you.
What are your thoughts about deleting Instagram? Comment Below