why i deleted instagram
anti-brainrot + digital freedom
Don’t get me wrong—I do plan on returning eventually. But only when my mental state can handle it better. Like many other people, I’ve fallen into the trap of doomscrolling. I’ve grown used to turning off my brain just to scroll mindlessly on my phone and douse myself in a thousand different emotions within minutes. I want to do homework instead of scrolling until I run out of time. I doomscroll more than I read, and probably more than I write.
I’ve considered deleting Instagram before but held off due to my writing account. I’m obsessed with promoting books that haven’t even been published yet. And when I see another author getting published, I fall into social media’s second trap: comparing yourself to other people.
Truthfully, I’m burnt out and just need a break.
During this break, I’m going to focus on rekindling my creative side. The writer that writes because she loves it, rather than to make something marketable. The artist who’s okay with imperfections in her drawings. The jewelry maker and crocheter who are always excited to start new projects just for the fun of it.
My dad said to delete social media and treat it as an experiment. Find out who I am without a new reel trying to decide that for me. Social media is so draining when you let yourself get pulled into it. The world exists outside of your phone.
With this being said, please know I’m not ghosting anyone!!! I’m just not going to be active on Instagram for a bit.
For anyone who’s also considering deleting Instagram/Tiktok, I’d implore you to do so just for a bit. Here is a list of activities I’m going to do to take up the time.
Mental puzzles (word searches, crosswords, etc.)
Learn how to knit and nurture my other creative pursuits (crochet, jewelry making, clay, etc.)—and maybe even start selling at markets.
Get back into painting.
Read!!! Not just books, but also substacks.
Lock in with my graphic novel and writing projects.
Journal.
Go for walks.
Try new recipes.
Learn a new language.
Thrift flips to improve my sewing skills.
Hang out with friends more.
I’d love to hear if anyone has any other anti brain rotting activities they’d be willing to share!