The one change that worked: I deleted Instagram
I’d become obsessed with appealing to my invisible audience. But since I ditched the app a year ago, my quieter moments have taken on brilliant new meaning
TL;DR
- The author developed an obsession with Instagram, spending significant time curating posts and seeking validation through likes.
- A trip to Sri Lanka revealed the extent of the obsession, with an 'inner Instagram monologue' accompanying all experiences.
- Deleting Instagram for a month led to a realization that photos were taken for an invisible audience, shifting focus to personal memories.
- The absence of the app allowed for redirection of energy into other pursuits, such as reading and writing a novel.
- Living privately again has been liberating, allowing for reconnection with anonymity and enjoyment of activities without external validation.