Why I'm spending less time on Instagram

I have my finger in the wind… and I’m not the only one spending less time on Instagram or logging off social media completely. We all want to take our time and individuality back. I'm here to convince you that it’s okay to spend less time scrolling.

I'm happier when I'm logged off Instagram.

What I’m noticing on Instagram

Last year I started to notice that my Instagram feed is filled with suggested posts and sponsored ads. Who are all these people? Why is everyone selling me something? Where are all my friends?

I have heard the same complaints in my professional and social circles. It is like watching tv with ads…. With no option to skip! I am fatigued by trying to find the people I actually want to see in my Instagram feed. All the sudden I have mahjong teachers trying to sell me lessons in Texas and videos with a weird guy rapping about tiles. What is happening?

I deleted Instagram from my phone

I had enough of the nonsense months ago. The only time I check Instagram is on my laptop. I still can log on and see what is going on, but there is no endless scroll.

At first, it was weird because I would pick up the phone and scroll apps looking for Instagram. That took the full 21 days to break the habit. Yep, I admit the Instagram scroll addiction was tough for me to kick.

Now, I don’t even reach for my phone as often. I was able to detach from the device because there was nothing I could constantly check.

Time is precious

The one thing we all want more of? Time.

Logging off Instagram I got back at least two hours of my day. If you think you are using it less than that, I’d check your screen time. It is crazy how fast the time can creep.

I suddenly have so much more time to respond to emails and text a friend. It’s more meaningful than a like on a curated Instagram post.

I also find myself reaching out more to spend an hour with a friend. Whether it’s a walk and talk, a coffee or a phone call, I am making the effort to make a deeper connection.

The biggest difference is that I’m more present with my kids and people around me. I’m not lost in the endless scroll.

I want to read more. I want to connect more. I want to play more.

I like a little mystery

I prefer anonymity over popularity. I don’t want everyone to know exactly what I did last weekend or who my close friends are. Nobody cares if I wear the same outfit three days in a row if I’m not posting about it. I like to have the power of going unnoticed.

I don’t care about seeing posts of the latest tile set you bought or your vacation either. Call me and let’s meet and chat about it. Send me an email with details. Let’s meet face to face and you can show me the photos. I like to hear about my friends’ lives from a personal first story account. I know a photo says 1,000 words, but I believe in connection.

The biggest shift I am seeing online regarding privacy is data ownership. Whenever something is posted to You Tube, Instagram, Facebook, etc, the content is owned by the hosting platform. I use my own website to publish video tutorials and my own email server to publish my NEWSletter. Many people are choosing to reclaim their data.

I’m reconnecting with myself

Comparison online is awful for me. I feel like I need to achieve more and buy more.

After logging off, I am happier. I know my personal style and what I really want without constant pressure from influencers.

Social media also gives me fomo and the desire to be invited and included in everything. That is not reality. When it’s not in my face, I remember that I can’t be at every party and on every vacation.

Research shows that connecting puzzle pieces gives a dopamine hit similar to "likes" on Instagram. I'll take the puzzle!

Found time

Now I have time for things I really want to do. I read more. I connect more. I play more.

I want more of the most precious commodity: time. We can’t ever get back the time we have wasted, but we certainly can protect our time from the worthless scroll.

People want to know why I'm spending less time on Instagram.

"I never see your posts anymore. Why aren't you on Instagram? Are you depressed?" Ha. The answer is no. I am actually happier now that I am logged off. It's not about anything besides creating limits and knowing myself. There is nothing deeper than that as to why I'm spending less time on Instagram. I want more time doing what fills my bucket and less time doing things that dump my bucket.

To learn more strategies for a more purposeful and playful life, subscribe to the Missy Mahjong NEWSletter. This isn't a typical boring NEWSletter, it is a note from Missy telling you all the tips and trends in the game world for people who play for fun.