The potentially harmful effects of social networks should not be underestimated. Excessive use of these platforms can have an impact on our physical and mental well-being. In this guide we are going to go over some simple tips for disconnecting from Instagram..
Limit the use of Instagram
Watching for a comment, hoping for a like, monitoring the view counter of your stories, checking your number of followers, this is the daily life of a large number of Internet users. Excessive use of social platforms generates a lot of frustration and stress.
Unfortunately many people are not aware of this. Several scientific studies have shown that likes but also comments stimulate the release of dopamine in the brain. This chemical, also called the pleasure molecule, plays an important role in behavior..
So when you check the accounts of other users, you will subconsciously do social comparison. The problem is that on Instagram, subscribers only post pictures that put them to their advantage (sandy beach, large restaurant, cars and luxury clothes).
As a result, you feel belittled and you find yourself depressed on your sofa in front of your supposed dream lives. Viewing the Instagram feed can lead to feelings of loneliness, worthlessness, low self-esteem, and even depression..
Follow your activity on Instagram
If you realize that it will be better to limit your use of Instagram, know that the application has many tools that can help you quantify your addiction and then find solutions to reduce it.
- Launch the Instagram app
- Click on the profile tab at the bottom of the window
- Once on the profile page, slide your finger to the left or press the menu button (3 horizontal lines)
- Select the option your activity
On this screen, you will be able to know the average time spent each day on the photo sharing application. This section is particularly useful for becoming aware of your addiction.
Now we will have to set up a social detox. But beware, it requires a good dose of motivation. If weaning is difficult, know that the Instagram application offers several tools to reduce the time spent on the application.
Before you start, you should know that there is a minimum age to use the Instagram application. This is set at 13 years. In addition to this limitation, the app offers various tools to help parents protect their children on Instagram.
Manage your time effectively on Instagram
If you think you are spending too much time on Instagram, be aware that it is possible to set a connection limit. This is far from negligible. Monitoring your daily consumption of social networks is an essential way to reconnect with reality and its existence.
- Go back to your activity section
- Click on the heading then on the time tab
- Tap the option set daily reminder
- Define a duration of use of the application
- Once this time has passed, the app will send you a notification to notify you that you have reached your usage time.
- Then click on the notification setting option
- Select the type of notifications you want to receive (comment, like, new subscribers)
Note that most smartphones offer their own time management system. On iPhone, the screen time function will allow you to set limits and know the time you spend on apps but also on websites.