After taking a digital detox from Instagram for close to eight months, I reopened my account only to have it disabled for violating the community terms. It felt strange. I had never had a problem with a social media platform before. Coincidentally, Instagram had been having technical problems over the two days prior, so perhaps they overlapped somehow and caused some sort of glitch.
Still, I couldn’t shake the sense of loss. A collection of pixels in chronological order to match my growth and experiences, interactions and friendships that crossed oceans and continents so easily seem to have evaporated into thin air. We depend on technology to help maintain some of our relationships and interests regardless of what we may want to convince ourselves and as much as it is somewhat toxic at times it is helpful and convenient too.
The first thing I thought about were my notes and articles on my highlights and how helpful it was for me personally to be able to share my experiences and find solace in the fact that it was the reality for so many other people. Social media gives you an outlet to advertise your personality or in some cases project an image that you find desirable. The latter is the main reason why so many people find it exhausting as it becomes a tool for instant and aggressive comparison. Some have mastered the art of using it, knowing when to take breaks from it and some have kept their bubble to just a select few.
I personally loved discovering so many people and possibilities. It was how I met my now close friend in Bremen where I live. It was how I became more confident when it came to talking about mental health. It was where I discovered inspiration for recipes, décor and fashion. It was like Pinterest, but with friends who spoke back to you directly. It is so easy to become invested in it that it becomes almost like a second world with its own etiquette and digital culture. These are my top things that I will be embracing in my new profile.
Spark joy
Follow accounts and people that make you genuinely happy.We have so much access to everything that it is easy to lose ourselves within all the possibilities of what could be. If it does not help you to grow or feel better don’t engage with it.
Your aesthetic
Likes and comments massage our egos so it is natural to feel the urge to copy those that seem to be adored. This, however, is the ultimate recipe for disaster. While translating your personality online into words and pictures can be tricky, stick to the things that you like and you will find your belonging sooner or later.
Take breaks
Social media is designed to take up all of our time. Taking a break can be synonymous with feeling like you just can’t keep up or you are failing at presenting yourself. Taking time away from it is healthy for the mind. It helps you to prioritize and strategize your sense of belonging both in the real world and the digital world.
I wish I still had my old profile, but perhaps it is a fresh chance to approach my digital life in a more thoughtful way.
