My 10-Day Detachment from Instagram
“I wanted to see how long I could resist the urge, how I would cope without the constant triggers that kept me hooked. Initially, my goal was to last over a month, but reality hit sooner than expected.” -Ashely Gore
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Taking a break from Instagram was like stepping into a parallel universe for me. For 10 whole days, I bid farewell to the endless scroll, the dopamine hits from likes, and the instant gratification that had become a part of my daily routine. It was a challenge, akin to kicking a smoking habit or breaking any addiction that lures you back with its quick fixes and fleeting pleasures.
My decision to go cold turkey on Instagram stemmed from a growing concern about my screen time. Hours would slip away unnoticed as I mindlessly scrolled through feeds, seeking that temporary high of validation or the thrill of seeing perfectly curated lives. I wanted to see how long I could resist the urge, how I would cope without the constant triggers that kept me hooked.
Initially, my goal was to last over a month, but reality hit sooner than expected. Despite falling short of my target, those 10 days taught me invaluable lessons. One of the most eye-opening realizations was how much teenagers care about their online image.
I found myself overthinking about what others might think if I took a break. It’s funny how we all strive to portray perfection, fearing judgment even when taking a step back could be the healthiest choice. Moreover, I had tied my identity too closely to my Instagram profile. It was as if my worth was measured by the number of likes or the glamour of my posts.
This guest post is in partnership with True Star Media.