Daily average this week: 38m
Tuesday, September 8th
Time on Instagram: 1 minute
Initial thoughts: “Okay, I’ve got this! I do pretty well without Instagram so I think I’ll be fine this week.”
Reason for opening Instagram app: checking on an IGTV video series I wanted to catch up on.
Thoughts after opening app: “Oh snap! I shouldn’t be on here.” *Closes app*
Observations: I truly did not “need” to access Instagram this day and started off my 6-day detox pretty solid. I was able to get a substantial amount of work done. I also took some time to be present with family and spent a few hours at a relative’s house, eating, catching up, playing games, and enjoying one another’s company. Tuesday was a success!
Wednesday, September 9th
Time on Instagram: 14 minutes
Initial thoughts: “I slipped up a tad bit yesterday, but today I will try to be more intentional about my time on Instagram. Hopefully today will be productive as well.”
Reasons for opening Instagram app: Boredom during time I had to myself while waiting to be called in for my orthodontist appointment. Muscle memory/boredom during time to myself before bed.
Thoughts after opening app: Unfortunately, the first time I opened the app, I did not have time to think. Instead, I quickly started scrolling until my appointment began. Before bed my thoughts were “why am I on Instagram at this time? And why is it so easy to scroll through this app just before bed?”
Observations: Despite my increased time on the app this day, I still had a pretty productive day. It is important for me to be more mindful about the times within the day that I am on Instagram, as the times that I find myself on the app may not be healthy for me.
Thursday, September 10th
Time on Instagram: 1 hour, 41 minutes
Initial thoughts: No initial thoughts. I was pretty absent-minded regarding my detox on this particular day.
Reasons for opening Instagram app: checking on the same IGTV video series from Tuesday. I started watching one of the episodes while simultaneously getting ready for the day. Also opened the app and watched stories due to boredom while on a long ride, although I could have chosen to use that time more wisely. Lastly, I looked up the Instagram page of a local business I saw while driving around the town I am relocating to.
Thoughts after opening app: “I really shouldn’t be on Instagram right now but I haven’t kept up with this series and I have a bit of time today.” “I feel like I’m scrolling just to scroll at this point. Nothing truly interests me except random things I find on the search page.” “Once I’m able to view their page, I’ll log off.”
Observations: I gave in on this particular day. With each day to this point, my time on Instagram swiftly multiplied. It’s almost as if I’m somewhat addicted to the platform and can only do without it for a certain amount of time.
Friday, September 11th
Time on Instagram: 1 hour, 48 minutes
Initial thoughts: No initial thoughts. I was pretty absent-minded regarding my detox on this day as well.
Reasons for opening Instagram app: My phone and Instagram were the first things I turned to when I woke up. In the afternoon, I wanted to check in on life’s happenings on a couple more long car rides. I was in an area with no Wi-Fi for some time and figured that the app would be a good pastime.
Thoughts after opening app: Sadly, I did not have many thoughts after opening the app on this day. Although I could have sought a healthier outlet, I was seeking something to occupy my mind and found exactly what I was looking for in Instagram.
Observations: I got a lot done today, but I could have dedicated the time I spent on Instagram to other endeavors. I’m starting to think it might not be such a bad idea to delete my Instagram. In contrast, there’s also a great deal of anxiety attached to removing myself from the platform, as I fear I would miss out on important things taking place in the lives of my associates, friends, family, and loved ones. I’m not sure if forging a healthy relationship with the app is possible, as I feel that it’s inevitable that, the more I use it, the app will become addictive.
Saturday, September 12th
Time on Instagram: 19 minutes
Initial thoughts: “I’ve got a pretty full day ahead of me so hopefully I’ll stay present and focused enough to stay off of the app.”
Reasons for opening Instagram app: Seeking out a jewelry company I came across in the past. Viewing some of the posts I previously saved. Searching for a skincare company I am interested in that was advertised to me a few weeks back.
Thoughts after opening app: “Although I don’t necessarily need to be on Instagram, I came here for a specific purpose. Hopefully I can get all I need quickly and close the app.”
Observations: This day, I was able to get on the app without getting sucked in. I searched for specific things I took interest in or saved from the past and executed all that I needed to do in one session. I was on the app for one stretch of time, which can be good or bad, but for this instance in particular, I found this approach fruitful. Choosing to put off my Instagram time and create a list of what I wanted to access later on also helped me remain more focused and productive throughout the day.
Sunday, September 13th
Time on Instagram: 13 minutes
Initial thoughts: “Today is a day to relax, so I won’t be so hard on myself, but, hopefully, I can stay off of the app.”
Reasons for opening Instagram app: Searching for a local business I have visited before to see if they have started taking clients again in light of COVID-19. This led to me scrolling on the search page and checking Instagram stories for a little while.
Thoughts after opening app: “I am on here for now, but I would still like to take it easy.”
Observations: On this day, I was able to visit friends and family and truly live in the moment. I was present in my relationships and I was more intentional about my time. I cared less about what was happening on the app and more about what was happening around me throughout the day. I even went for a walk. Though I spent 13 minutes on the app today, I feel more satisfied.
Final takeaways: On at least one day this week I was able to compartmentalize my use of Instagram and weigh whether I truly needed to be on the app or not. I would like to do this more moving forward. Additionally, I want to come up with healthy pastimes I can access when I’m idle so that I can make better use of my time altogether. I would also like to designate time to truly rest. Practically, I think it would be good for me to start using the Screen Time app on my phone so that I can set a daily time limit on my use of Instagram as well as save all my thoughts and reasons for visiting the app for a designated time period.
Articles that encouraged me this week:
Sola's Thoughts 