My reasons for taking a step back from social media and instagram
Despite wanting to have a career in social media influencing, I realised that the toxicity and competition of the Instagram platform is just not good for my wellbeing. The desperation to be societies idea of ‘beautiful’ and ‘worthy’ is horrid, and there’s no need for such harshness on our unique selves. Followers, likes and comments shouldn’t dictate our worth or quality, and I find that a lot of brands may not see past that. A lot of campaigns and ads are superficial, but more brands should celebrate unedited lives, reality and imperfections.
The constant comparison and need to reach stupid and sometimes unachievable standards merely to fit in or stand out is so trying on a persons mental health, and so instead of thriving to create content to please brands and ‘fit in’ or ‘be apart’ of influencing, I’m taking a step back into the real world and embracing offline time. I have always struggled to feel like I belong in this space, despite being part of it for so long. So I now won’t let it take such a grasp on me, and will use it sparingly and without pressure.
I will be writing my books, sharing some content and advocating for mental health in my own way, without comparison to others.
Why it might be a good idea to step back from social media
If you’re feeling the negative clutches of social media, take a while out and see how you feel. It’s done me the world of good and I’m excited to not have this constant pressure on me! I’d rather see the real world and share reality instead of curated, edited bits of life that appear ‘ideal’. I choose to romanticise life for real instead of just through the lens of a camera. It can help in so many ways to distance yourself from the pressures of social media. Here are some ways it can help to take a step back.
-Less time stuck in the loop of comparison
When we step back from social media, in particular Instagram, it can reduce the time we spend comparing our lives, situations and appearance to other people. Let’s face it, comparison is a huge evil that can strip a person of confidence and motivation, so finding ways to reduce that can be super beneficial to your mental health and wellbeing. Also let’s be real, what we see on social media is often curated, edited and sculpted to become worthy of being posted out there to the world. We don’t see what’s behind the post or the account and therefore is comparing ourselves to what we see online good? Since we’re trying to reach a standard that often is unachievable.
Now, if your job is in social media influencing, like I aimed to do, then social media is a huge part of your life. This doesn’t mean you can’t limit your time on there and also bring your reality into your work so that you aren’t trying to deny your real life and only live online through your ‘worthy’ moments. You are perfect as you are, without the need to edit and change everything about yourself or your work to fit in or be classed as worthy.
– Appreciating the real world
Eliminating the constant need to film videos or capture ‘insta worthy’ content can definitely help you live in the moment and appreciate where you are in life through more than just the screen of your phone. Believe me, the urge to pick up my phone and share everything I love on Instagram is real, but not having to do that has been a breath of fresh air and my appreciation for the little things that I can appreciate without sharing, has been lovely.
– Embracing slow living
When we’re constantly stuck to our phones and feeling the pressure to post content on a schedule to keep people coming to our profile, it can be a rush. It’s hard to find the balance between knowing what to film and capture and what to just keep for ourselves in the moment. I would rush to get my tripod and camera out whenever I got ready for the day, and in turn I felt hectic and almost needed to change myself so my content looked visually pleasing. So imagine if the need to do this constantly is removed or lessened. It is so refreshing to just live slowly and in the moment, taking your time to do things for you and enjoying them without the rush and pressure to do everything ‘perfectly’.
– Better wellbeing and mental health
Although social media has helped a lot of us find friends, positive communities and inspiring posts that make us feel good, it can also make us feel lost, left out, stuck in a void of comparison and can really impact our mental health. I felt so drained when I spent excess time scrolling on Instagram and seeing what everyone else had, and in turn focusing on what I didn’t. Some people online are also so cruel as well and It is so difficult avoiding people whose main aim is to offend and upset.
Let’s also look at screen time. A lot of us spend so much time on our phones, iPads, laptops and TV, but with phones they are so easy to access and it becomes an automatic response to scroll on social media. It’s mind numbing and can genuinely be bad for our eyes, minds and productivity too, as well as leading to burnout. So taking a step back can definitely help your mental health and overall wellbeing.
When we take that step back, we make room for more things that we love that are good for us. For me, I love having less pressure on myself and more time to play my favourite cosy games with my fiancé of an evening or even do a puzzle! It takes you out of work mode and helps you rest your mind whilst having fun.
Thank you so much for reading this post. Be gentle with yourself and always put your mental health and wellbeing first.
Stay wonderful!
Molly | Transatlantic Notes
•4 months ago
I have significantly changed and reduced how I use my social media as it has become a mental and emotional drain. Some social media spaces are not too bad, but generally, there is so much toxicity floating about, it was a very depressing place to be in. How I use it now (which includes stepping away from it regularly) has really helped. Great post—thanks for sharing!
burstsofautumn
•4 months ago
Thank you so much for your comment Molly – I’m so glad you are using the social medias that aren’t too bad in terms of being on. Time away is always good too 🙂 x
Natalie
•2 months ago
It’s always nice to see someone reflecting on the effects of social media. It serves as a reminder for me to keep my own usage in check. I think we often forget that social media should be a tool that you use and not something that uses you. I really resonated with what you said about comparison. As an aspiring designer I sometimes see what others post and feel inspired, however these same posts will often have the opposite effect because seeing others in a seemingly better spot than me makes me think “what am I doing wrong”. When in reality I’d be better off comparing my current self to my last self.