Leaving Instagram

[Foreverdancing]

I am thinking about deactivating my Instagram account. I stopped posting photos last year as I always got a pang of anxiety when I did so. Of an evening sometimes I will sit and scroll endlessly - it's such a time thief! Also hard not to compare yourself to others. I think the one thing that kept me on there is the social connection but my real friends have my number!! Has anyone quit and how does it feel? Looking for inspiration from those who have left it behind for the better. Thanks 😊

I've deleted insta and Facebook this year. Feel so much lighter for it. Hoping I can stick to it, and cut down on MN as well...

I quite like IG but look at it once a day only. Don't do FB as its really not good for mental wellbeing. Haven't missed it at all.

I've deleted everything and never been happier. I spent waaay too much time scrolling.
I'm reading my kindle more and pop my headphones in with chilled music. I feel sooo much happier and relaxed. I think more and more people are opting out of fb and Instagram. Just don't be tempted back in - its addictive.

I deleted Facebook in 2010 and I deactivated Instagram last September. Never even been tempted to reactivate.

I deleted instagram years ago. I wish I still had the account as an option sometimes, not overall it's meh.

Consider deleting just the app in case you regret it. All the same benefits plus it's not permanent.

I deactivate whenever I feel I need a break from it, I’ve gone months without it before.

I joined IG as DD wanted to and I needed to see what it was all about before I agreed. I don't think I understand it really, it's like the shit I have in my camera reel made public. Once you've detoxed, you probably won't miss it.

Funnily enough I quit Facebook but then found Instagram. I feel Instagram is less filled with adverts and random news reports I didn't ask to follow. But, if Instagram is making you feel anxious then delete it.

No social media for 8 years, I definitely love myself more. Less vain - to the point where I think I've gone the extreme other way. More confident, I dont know how that works when I have not washed my hair in a week and its in a grease bun. No desire to impress anyone or go places just to take a pic. My phone is away a lot more and its more wholesome to message family and close friends pics of my special moments usually with the kids than it is posting online. I'd truly recommend but I do recall it being a bit difficult disconnecting, I.did it aged 26 so it felt a bit isolating at first but my real friends have my number

In the last couple of weeks I have deactivated my account! I don't regret it.

It was the same mindless scrolling that annoyed me. I'm also trying to take the temptation away of using my phone around my young children. I suppose I'm trying to limit their exposure to phones etc and not making it appear like the "norm" that we are glued to our phones constantly.

I deleted both of mine nearly 3 years ago and no regrets whatsoever!

Facebook and Instagram that is

Ive never had instagram or any other did have facebook for a day and deleted that i dont even have whatsapp.
Im what my family and friends call off grid no one knows anything about me or where i am or what i do unless i tell them.

I only have mumsnet call and text /email.
Emails are on my laptop my mobile is a nokia no data or wifi just call and text.
Does have snakes tho.

I'm going to delete FB and Instagram too. It just feels like the right time.

I haven’t deleted but over the past year I have finally reached my holy grail of not having the apps and not really ever bothering to check them. It’s very liberating. Like when you realise you no longer care about what an old boyfriend is doing. The Erika app helped.

Yep I totally get what you mean about social media being a drag on mental health I think this is a common problem, especially for girls and women. I use an app called 'One Sec' that helps me cut down on mindlessly scrolling. It reminds you to take a breath before opening certain apps and most of the time I end up closing them instead. I also use another app that simplifies my home screen to just text, since apparently colorful icons can excite the brain too much and keep us mindlessly interacting with them. Just some small changes that have made a big difference for me! I do use IG for my business though - but I post, log out. No selfies, no private stuff.

I haven't posted on Insta for 7 years and even then it was mainly art/home decor and nothing personal. I still check once a week or so to follow my favourite musicians. FB I use daily but mainly to catch up with friends I live too far away to see IRL. I post a status update once in a blue moon.

I'm too curious/nosy to delete social media, but certainly don't use it for attention/validation which I find cringe.

It feels amazing! Honestly.

I reactivated mines and wish I didn't bother.

I deleted the app. Which helps.

Do it!

One sec sounds brilliant.