Checking Out of Instagram

In my first blog post (i.e. yesterday), I mentioned my recent love-hate relationship with Instagram. I'd like to rescind this comment, and re-title it as my "on-and-off again relationship with Instagram." I've always loved Instagram, yet I've deleted it and re-installed it from my phone at least 3 times in the past month.

Aside from the fact that I have zero storage left on my phone and am always forced to delete apps so that I can capture my next Instagram-worthy picture (the irony is intentional), there were I eliminated the platform from my mobile social media collection for a couple of reasons.

1. There is a strange stigma attached to social media in that if someone posts too frequently, it's not because they want to document memorable moments but rather it obviously means that they're trying to cover up how shitty their life actually is. Naturally, I don't want people to think that I'm unhappy because of the pictures I share. Even though I AM happy and I'm simply sharing photos that I enjoy.

2. I think that there is an air of secrecy to people who don't post on social media frequently (or at all). Social media is a way of sharing your life, and there is a blurry line that divides those who overshare from those who don't. I don't think I overshare, but there is something oddly enticing about seeming mysterious...

3. There is an inherent narcissism attached to social media. This isn't always a bad thing (confidence IS key) but, I don't understand how or why a photo that I am in garners upwards of 100 likes and a photograph that represents something significant, such as gender equality, will get 50. Shouldn't it be vice versa?

3. Finally, there is something to be said for people who spend too much time on their phones. I will be the first to admit that I am attached to my phone (more so than I'd like to admit), and I do attribute this to social media. I believe that it is important to live in the moment and value time spent with people IRL (again, intentional irony - you'll catch on).

So, between the combination of being worried about people's opinions of me based on how frequently I post, wanting to seem enigmatic, my personal issues with the vanity that exists online and trying to cut down on the time that I spend on my phone, I decided that it was necessary to cut down on social media apps.

I couldn't delete Snapchat because I have a 240-day streak (and if you've ever lost a Snapchat streak then you know that losing a streak can result in the end of a friendship), and I've never been an avid 'Tweeter' so Twitter wasn't even an option. Facebook was an easy choice because it's become riddled with unwanted political posts and an exorbitant number of memes. So, through a process of elimination Instagram was the next to go.

I have since re-installed Instagram (and am quite enjoying my escape from Facebook), and have come to the following realizations:

1. Instagram is a creative outlet that I allows me to share my favourite photos and connect with like-minded people.

2. I enjoy using the app.

3. I don't care what other people think.

Come to think of it, not only did I re-install the app after I came to terms with my social media demons, but I also started this blog.

Now, not only does the Internet get to see my lovely pictures with their corresponding cringe-worthy captions but they also get the joy of being able to read my inner-monologue.

So there.

Yours not-so-mysteriously,

Carling

#socialmedia #lifestyle