One thing that helps me (when I remember to do it) is to change my feed when I login to IG so that I’m seeing posts from the people I follow, in chronological order. When I remember to do this small thing, I start engaging with posts by people I wanted to follow in the first place instead of seeing all the reels and random posts by people I don’t follow. Another thing I do is to turn the sound off so I’m not overwhelmed by noise. I plug my headphones in if I want to listen to anything.
Ah yes! I'm glad we have that feature, though I find it tricky to use when it scrolls back to the top easily and doesn't show stories in that section. I think it would be good to have a way of archiving 'seen' posts like we do on Substack! The sound aspect is a great point too, I often do that - otherwise there's lots of chopping and changing audibly while browsing! Thank you for these points, I will mention them in my tips list next week💕
This post really resonated with me, Katie. I think it's very easy to get lost in the fast-paced, consumerism space that Instagram has become. Being intentional with my time online has been one of the most beneficial things I could've done for my mental health. I regularly check who I am following, what type of content I am consuming, and how I feel consuming this type of content. I've also turned off all my Instagram notifications, and I try to catch and stop myself when I've been scrolling for too long without paying attention to anything. Your account and the community you cultivate really inspire me to continue posting and creating in the future! I am super excited to read (or listen to!) your next posts.
Ah I'm glad!! It absolutely is. You inspired me a couple of years ago with the removing/reducing followers idea, and being more intentional. I absolutely find I'm happier with using Instagram when I do it in a focused way rather than the 'aimless' scrolling that can be easy to fall into. Having my Instagram notifications off has also been really beneficial. I will add that one to my list for sharing next week! Aw yay, thank you for your always-interesting insights into these topics and discussions🥰
Oh I relate to this so much! Lately I've been checking up only on my "favorites timeline" and occasionally the "following timeline." The main feed is so overwhelming! I really enjoy substack. It's nice to read longer letters, and not feel the need to consume or comment so much right away! I feel as if I can take my time here.
I actually left IG altogether a few months ago becuase it had started to feel like wading through sludge every time I logged in. Sure, there were some good things on there, and people I liked, but the mental cost just wasn't worth it anymore. Substack is an excellent alternative platform. The slow content helps to rebuild an eroded attention span. Physical books are better still.
Wonderful post, Katie! The need for deeper, meaningful connections with fellow writers and readers is what drew me to Substack. I find myself on Instagram less and less. The only reason I circle back is to keep to date with creatives I admire (which the algorithm makes harder). I have a secret wish that all the folk I admire in Instagram will end up here :)
In the land of Substack, where the crafting of content unfolds with grace and mindfulness, one may find solace akin to the soothing touch of a healer's hand.
Alas, the once enchanting realm of Instagram, where glimpses into the lives of friends were cherished, has transformed into a ceaseless cascade of attention-seeking merchants, vying relentlessly for the gaze of their audience.
One thing that helps me (when I remember to do it) is to change my feed when I login to IG so that I’m seeing posts from the people I follow, in chronological order. When I remember to do this small thing, I start engaging with posts by people I wanted to follow in the first place instead of seeing all the reels and random posts by people I don’t follow. Another thing I do is to turn the sound off so I’m not overwhelmed by noise. I plug my headphones in if I want to listen to anything.
Ah yes! I'm glad we have that feature, though I find it tricky to use when it scrolls back to the top easily and doesn't show stories in that section. I think it would be good to have a way of archiving 'seen' posts like we do on Substack! The sound aspect is a great point too, I often do that - otherwise there's lots of chopping and changing audibly while browsing! Thank you for these points, I will mention them in my tips list next week💕
This post really resonated with me, Katie. I think it's very easy to get lost in the fast-paced, consumerism space that Instagram has become. Being intentional with my time online has been one of the most beneficial things I could've done for my mental health. I regularly check who I am following, what type of content I am consuming, and how I feel consuming this type of content. I've also turned off all my Instagram notifications, and I try to catch and stop myself when I've been scrolling for too long without paying attention to anything. Your account and the community you cultivate really inspire me to continue posting and creating in the future! I am super excited to read (or listen to!) your next posts.
Ah I'm glad!! It absolutely is. You inspired me a couple of years ago with the removing/reducing followers idea, and being more intentional. I absolutely find I'm happier with using Instagram when I do it in a focused way rather than the 'aimless' scrolling that can be easy to fall into. Having my Instagram notifications off has also been really beneficial. I will add that one to my list for sharing next week! Aw yay, thank you for your always-interesting insights into these topics and discussions🥰
Oh I relate to this so much! Lately I've been checking up only on my "favorites timeline" and occasionally the "following timeline." The main feed is so overwhelming! I really enjoy substack. It's nice to read longer letters, and not feel the need to consume or comment so much right away! I feel as if I can take my time here.
I actually left IG altogether a few months ago becuase it had started to feel like wading through sludge every time I logged in. Sure, there were some good things on there, and people I liked, but the mental cost just wasn't worth it anymore. Substack is an excellent alternative platform. The slow content helps to rebuild an eroded attention span. Physical books are better still.
Wonderful post, Katie! The need for deeper, meaningful connections with fellow writers and readers is what drew me to Substack. I find myself on Instagram less and less. The only reason I circle back is to keep to date with creatives I admire (which the algorithm makes harder). I have a secret wish that all the folk I admire in Instagram will end up here :)
In the land of Substack, where the crafting of content unfolds with grace and mindfulness, one may find solace akin to the soothing touch of a healer's hand.
Alas, the once enchanting realm of Instagram, where glimpses into the lives of friends were cherished, has transformed into a ceaseless cascade of attention-seeking merchants, vying relentlessly for the gaze of their audience.