I really resonated with this. I quit instagram and deleted my account just over a month ago. It’s been a funny first month, impulses and habits that I didn’t even know were there are now showing themselves with nowhere for them to go. And the ones I did know about have slowly started to dissipate. It’s like I’ve woken up from some sort of alternate universe and am looking forward to seeing how it continues to unfold.
YES! The number of times I habitually open my phone and head to an app for the quick scroll, only to realise there aren’t many/any places for that any more (nothing holds my attention quite like stories did!) and what exactly was that doing/has that done to my brain? I’m hoping that over time, that impulse will reduce to nothing.
I wish Substack had the same approach with people that want to write here in Spanish. I was out of Instagram for months and I love it. I had a Substack account for my writing in Spanish and after a few months I was waiting for Substack to promote accounts in other languages but all I have seen is internal promo for writers in English.
So I felt like I needed a place to promote my writing if I wanted to use Substack as my platform - so yesterday I opened again and IG account ( with 0 followers by the way 😅) not because I wanted to but because I felt I needed to if I wanted to write here in Substack. I’m so frustrated. I feel like Latino writers (that don’t want to write in English) are missing a platform like Substack to write. I could write in English but it is more hard for me to do so...
👉🏼Now I’m like, should I start writing in English even if I’m not great at just to be able to build a community and connect with other writers in an online community I love? And practice, practice, practice...
The reason I’m in IG (since yesterday) is just because of that frustration with Substack. And by the way I’m not a person that would like to start a YouTube channel - I know is a good search engine but not something I’m interested in. So, I just don’t know what to do...
Thank you for sharing your story lovely! I completely understand your frustration and this sounds like an important issue that Substack needs to work on. My advice is always go with what feels right for you, which sounds like writing in your first language (as it should be!). I wish you all the best :)
Yes, the truth is I have been quite frustrated about it. But I hope that as time goes on Substack will take into consideration authors in other languages. Thank you for responding and for sharing yourself authentically in this space. I appreciate what you share in your letters.
Hola Paloma! I am happy to learn about your Substack. I'd like to practice my Spanish. Sorry there's not much support from Substack for writers in languages other than English; you are a pioneer. I look forward to your posts in Spanish.
I've always been indifferent about social media. I have it all but don't use it much nor do I rely on it for mental sustenance. Back when I had my travel blog Facebook and Instagram were part of my package but I still placed blog at #1 because I started blogging before social media even existed. I'm old, this online stuff doesn't mean as much to me as it does for young people and I've seen first hand how it destroys lives by watching the young people in my life.
Good for you for throwing away such a colossal time waster 😊
Navigating the realm of Instagram has always been a bit of a puzzle for me. Despite my passion for photography, I never quite found my groove on this platform, even after the initial honeymoon phase. It's almost as if I've dodged a bullet by not succumbing to its addictive grasp. While some get lost in the allure of Instagram, I maintain a more pragmatic approach. For me, it's a tool, a means to share my thoughts and market my books rather than a vortex that swallows my time whole.
In the vast landscape of social media, Instagram stands as a unique beast. I do appreciate the charm of those captivating "reels" people create, showcasing snippets of their lives and creativity. There's a certain art to it, a way of storytelling through brief, engaging glimpses into our world. But I've managed to resist the pull of the proverbial rabbit hole, as you aptly put it. Perhaps that's where my luck lies, in keeping a healthy distance from its engulfing embrace. Happy for you Molly.
Thank you for sharing your experience. I spend far too much time on Instagram but I'm conflicted about leaving it as there are lots of things I really enjoy about it. I get genuine inspiration and information and there are some accounts I've followed for 7/8 years that I would miss. I'd love to find a way that works to use it less but it is so addictive.
There are always upsides and genuine benefits to social media, which is why they are so difficult to leave! I suppose it comes down to each individual on what's most important to them. Everyone is different :)
Thank you so much for sharing your journey and experience with quitting IG. I can so resonate with all you shared about what you don’t miss and the time you got back from it, doing what you enjoy and love. I haven’t left it yet, but I have been on several mini breaks and I’ve been having the thought to leave it more and more these days. It’s so strange to find myself in this space! I’m giving it a bit of time to simmer as I never thought I’d even think about this, but I’m curious to see what I’ll do in the end. 😊 have a beautiful start of your week!
Love this! I don’t use Facebook in general but do still have it as my hobby groups use it, sigh. But I unfollowed everyone else on there. Instagram I still have for just a handful of people - but I hate the way it still bombards you when you go on even with only following 10 accounts! So noisy. I do miss seeing what friends are up to, I feel a bit removed now. And some of those friends I don’t see much anymore either so I feel very out the loop. How do you manage that parts - do you feel you’ve lost any connections from coming off insta? x
Thank you for sharing! Personally I've always been happier with a small group of friends. I never seem to have more than 10 people that I would call a friend at one time! This makes it much easier for me to keep in touch with them, even if they are scattered around the country. I suppose I don't communicate as much with people I was 'friendly' with now, but I've not felt that loss. My close friends are used to me not being online now so I still get sent pics of babies and pets frequently, which I love! :)
I love to see you with your dog 🥰 you look to the same direction... As for Insta & co., there's more than one reason to be on guard, now more than ever. I suspended Twitter because, with so many employees fired, how can you trust your account to be really safe? I used to have a profile on Instagram, but didn't work, so I deleted it. When I entered Pinterest I began noticing a core difference in the effect the 2 had on me: while I felt constantly under presssure on Meta, at least in P I could employ creativity that can always be found (because P is more a search engine than a social media) 🤔
"...embraced the simple joy of daydreaming." I can relate. I know that worrying can also impact mental health. You reminded me of my childhood when I daydreamed a lot and was more creative.
Really interesting post, I understand so much! I stopped instagram and all the other social media pretty easily. I lost too much time in it but YouTube is my problem...
I watch really inspiring content or productive tips content but I noticed how addicted I was to that. It’s more of an entertainment and after watching few videos I start to feel unwell and almost sad in my life... so I try to stop YouTube too because I stopped instagram but I always had something to “escape my real life” in an unhealthy way.
It will be a long process I am sure but I would love that one day I am free of all of that and just learn to live my life without always compare myself to someone online. I want to read, to draw, to create, to write and walk and feel that it’s my life and not trying to re-create a life I saw online. I don’t know if it makes sense... and sorry for my English, I am French. I love your posts Molly, you are such an inspiration. It will be hard to take a step back from YouTube and not watch your lovely videos 🧡 have an amazing day 😊
This is so inspiring! It's nice to hear that once you gave it up you were able to make content creation your full time job which is a goal of my own. I've been craving a break from instagram and perhaps this is my sign that it's time.
Thank you for writing such a thoughtful post. One of the hardest parts of any addiction is realising that you are not a tourist there but are actually stuck and need to act to escape it. Congratulations on recovering yourself.
Brave & inspiring, Molly! Thank you for sharing. It takes a lot of backbone to move against the current. Social media has taken over so many millions of lives. It's truly sad. I'm glad you have regained yours --- and that was the best part of your post, reading how more rich and fulfilling and healthy your life is now.
I love this. I too am giving up IG... I noted the other day the addiction it brings. And the "worthlessness" it can bring to people. Yes the constant posting... I ended up having to use my left hand. My right hand ended up getting horrible muscle cramps from holding my phone... thank you so much for sharing this 💗
I really resonated with this. I quit instagram and deleted my account just over a month ago. It’s been a funny first month, impulses and habits that I didn’t even know were there are now showing themselves with nowhere for them to go. And the ones I did know about have slowly started to dissipate. It’s like I’ve woken up from some sort of alternate universe and am looking forward to seeing how it continues to unfold.
Amazing! I hope you enjoy your life post-insta :)
Thank you! And you!
It’s that “with no where to go” isn’t it?! It’s very revealing. I’m still there but had regular detoxes this year for months at a time!
YES! The number of times I habitually open my phone and head to an app for the quick scroll, only to realise there aren’t many/any places for that any more (nothing holds my attention quite like stories did!) and what exactly was that doing/has that done to my brain? I’m hoping that over time, that impulse will reduce to nothing.
It does for me - it takes 3 days then I’m just not bothered about ever going back... I will have to get my Substack obsession under wraps though 😉✨🙏
Oh yea, I feel that!!
I wish Substack had the same approach with people that want to write here in Spanish. I was out of Instagram for months and I love it. I had a Substack account for my writing in Spanish and after a few months I was waiting for Substack to promote accounts in other languages but all I have seen is internal promo for writers in English.
So I felt like I needed a place to promote my writing if I wanted to use Substack as my platform - so yesterday I opened again and IG account ( with 0 followers by the way 😅) not because I wanted to but because I felt I needed to if I wanted to write here in Substack. I’m so frustrated. I feel like Latino writers (that don’t want to write in English) are missing a platform like Substack to write. I could write in English but it is more hard for me to do so...
👉🏼Now I’m like, should I start writing in English even if I’m not great at just to be able to build a community and connect with other writers in an online community I love? And practice, practice, practice...
The reason I’m in IG (since yesterday) is just because of that frustration with Substack. And by the way I’m not a person that would like to start a YouTube channel - I know is a good search engine but not something I’m interested in. So, I just don’t know what to do...
If you have any suggestions that would be great.
And thank you for sharing your insights!
Thank you for sharing your story lovely! I completely understand your frustration and this sounds like an important issue that Substack needs to work on. My advice is always go with what feels right for you, which sounds like writing in your first language (as it should be!). I wish you all the best :)
Yes, the truth is I have been quite frustrated about it. But I hope that as time goes on Substack will take into consideration authors in other languages. Thank you for responding and for sharing yourself authentically in this space. I appreciate what you share in your letters.
Hola Paloma! I am happy to learn about your Substack. I'd like to practice my Spanish. Sorry there's not much support from Substack for writers in languages other than English; you are a pioneer. I look forward to your posts in Spanish.
Thank you for those kind words Jeanne. And for supporting me in this endeavor ❤️
Loved this. Substack is definitely my exit strategy from instagram haha not quite there with a full account delete but getting closer
I feel the same about Substack! I started this at the same time as deleting my Insta :)
I've always been indifferent about social media. I have it all but don't use it much nor do I rely on it for mental sustenance. Back when I had my travel blog Facebook and Instagram were part of my package but I still placed blog at #1 because I started blogging before social media even existed. I'm old, this online stuff doesn't mean as much to me as it does for young people and I've seen first hand how it destroys lives by watching the young people in my life.
Good for you for throwing away such a colossal time waster 😊
Thank you for sharing your story! :)
Navigating the realm of Instagram has always been a bit of a puzzle for me. Despite my passion for photography, I never quite found my groove on this platform, even after the initial honeymoon phase. It's almost as if I've dodged a bullet by not succumbing to its addictive grasp. While some get lost in the allure of Instagram, I maintain a more pragmatic approach. For me, it's a tool, a means to share my thoughts and market my books rather than a vortex that swallows my time whole.
In the vast landscape of social media, Instagram stands as a unique beast. I do appreciate the charm of those captivating "reels" people create, showcasing snippets of their lives and creativity. There's a certain art to it, a way of storytelling through brief, engaging glimpses into our world. But I've managed to resist the pull of the proverbial rabbit hole, as you aptly put it. Perhaps that's where my luck lies, in keeping a healthy distance from its engulfing embrace. Happy for you Molly.
Thank you for sharing your experience. I spend far too much time on Instagram but I'm conflicted about leaving it as there are lots of things I really enjoy about it. I get genuine inspiration and information and there are some accounts I've followed for 7/8 years that I would miss. I'd love to find a way that works to use it less but it is so addictive.
There are always upsides and genuine benefits to social media, which is why they are so difficult to leave! I suppose it comes down to each individual on what's most important to them. Everyone is different :)
Thank you so much for sharing your journey and experience with quitting IG. I can so resonate with all you shared about what you don’t miss and the time you got back from it, doing what you enjoy and love. I haven’t left it yet, but I have been on several mini breaks and I’ve been having the thought to leave it more and more these days. It’s so strange to find myself in this space! I’m giving it a bit of time to simmer as I never thought I’d even think about this, but I’m curious to see what I’ll do in the end. 😊 have a beautiful start of your week!
Amazing! I hope you feel better with some time away from Insta :)
Love this! I don’t use Facebook in general but do still have it as my hobby groups use it, sigh. But I unfollowed everyone else on there. Instagram I still have for just a handful of people - but I hate the way it still bombards you when you go on even with only following 10 accounts! So noisy. I do miss seeing what friends are up to, I feel a bit removed now. And some of those friends I don’t see much anymore either so I feel very out the loop. How do you manage that parts - do you feel you’ve lost any connections from coming off insta? x
Thank you for sharing! Personally I've always been happier with a small group of friends. I never seem to have more than 10 people that I would call a friend at one time! This makes it much easier for me to keep in touch with them, even if they are scattered around the country. I suppose I don't communicate as much with people I was 'friendly' with now, but I've not felt that loss. My close friends are used to me not being online now so I still get sent pics of babies and pets frequently, which I love! :)
I love to see you with your dog 🥰 you look to the same direction... As for Insta & co., there's more than one reason to be on guard, now more than ever. I suspended Twitter because, with so many employees fired, how can you trust your account to be really safe? I used to have a profile on Instagram, but didn't work, so I deleted it. When I entered Pinterest I began noticing a core difference in the effect the 2 had on me: while I felt constantly under presssure on Meta, at least in P I could employ creativity that can always be found (because P is more a search engine than a social media) 🤔
"...embraced the simple joy of daydreaming." I can relate. I know that worrying can also impact mental health. You reminded me of my childhood when I daydreamed a lot and was more creative.
Its a lovely way to spend time :)
I've been considering chopping most of my socials lately in a more permanent manner rather than taking "a break".. This helps. Thanks for sharing.
I'm glad you enjoyed! :)
Really interesting post, I understand so much! I stopped instagram and all the other social media pretty easily. I lost too much time in it but YouTube is my problem...
I watch really inspiring content or productive tips content but I noticed how addicted I was to that. It’s more of an entertainment and after watching few videos I start to feel unwell and almost sad in my life... so I try to stop YouTube too because I stopped instagram but I always had something to “escape my real life” in an unhealthy way.
It will be a long process I am sure but I would love that one day I am free of all of that and just learn to live my life without always compare myself to someone online. I want to read, to draw, to create, to write and walk and feel that it’s my life and not trying to re-create a life I saw online. I don’t know if it makes sense... and sorry for my English, I am French. I love your posts Molly, you are such an inspiration. It will be hard to take a step back from YouTube and not watch your lovely videos 🧡 have an amazing day 😊
Thank you for sharing your story! I hope you manage to find what's right for you :) p.s. you English is perfect!
This is so inspiring! It's nice to hear that once you gave it up you were able to make content creation your full time job which is a goal of my own. I've been craving a break from instagram and perhaps this is my sign that it's time.
I'm so glad you enjoyed! I hope it works for you! :)
Thank you for writing such a thoughtful post. One of the hardest parts of any addiction is realising that you are not a tourist there but are actually stuck and need to act to escape it. Congratulations on recovering yourself.
Thank you! :)
Brave & inspiring, Molly! Thank you for sharing. It takes a lot of backbone to move against the current. Social media has taken over so many millions of lives. It's truly sad. I'm glad you have regained yours --- and that was the best part of your post, reading how more rich and fulfilling and healthy your life is now.
Thank you for your comment! I'm so glad you enjoyed :)
I love this. I too am giving up IG... I noted the other day the addiction it brings. And the "worthlessness" it can bring to people. Yes the constant posting... I ended up having to use my left hand. My right hand ended up getting horrible muscle cramps from holding my phone... thank you so much for sharing this 💗
Amazing! I wish you a very happy life post-insta! :)