Following a prolonged spell of madness, I removed the application from my device. - Social Media: After Around 5 Minutes of Chaos, I Removed Instagram from My Device
Decision to Part ways with Instagram: A Tale of Unproductive Scrolling
By Tobias Schmitz
In a bid to reclaim my time, I decided to terminate my Instagram account. For years, I found myself scrolling through countless posts multiple times daily, each supposedly essential due to the algorithm. Upon tracking my sessions, I realized the truth: a waste of time. Here is a curated summary of my final Instagram spree, a five-minute expedition of aimless distraction:
- A vintage commercial for "Motiv" dishwashing detergent.
- A tutorial on reactivating mobility in crossed fascial chains.
- A sequence of people descending an escalator, each with a Golden Retriever.
- A recipe for a watermelon-slice cake.
- A snail trap comparison for small gardens.
- An advertisement for an ABBA show at St. Pauli Theater.
- A collection of ineffective pick-up lines.
- An advertising clip urging viewers to watch till the end.
- A dog stealing a loaf of bread from its owner.
- A woman modeling a tiny bikini top.
- A playful puppy gnawing on something.
- Jokes told by an unknown comedian.
- A demonstration of a cutting-edge gardening tool.
- Art created by painting on a rotating disc.
- Instructions for removing ticks using a lint roller.
- A recipe for a grilled peach salad with burrata.
- A video of multiple dogs entering an SUV's trunk obediently.
- A list of plants thriving in heat and drought.
- A pimple popping slow-motion video.
- A recipe for paprika cream chicken.
- Instructions for making a bike chain cleaner from a cut water bottle and a toothbrush head.
- A baby elephant playing in a water tub.
- A ranking of the top 10 ABBA songs.
- An analysis of the resemblance between a coal mine waste container and a Tesla Cybertruck.
- A woman strolling down a promenade in high heels, filmed in slow motion.
- A hardware store-themed joke.
- A clip from the "Augsburger Puppenkiste."
- Instructions for easily cleaning stained sinks and bathtubs.
- A video featuring an elderly man showcasing his homemade car.
- Brothers rolling a small ball on a ping pong table.
- A smartphone app reviving old photographs.
- Two dogs lounging on a couch watching TV.
- A plea for a home for Cat Abigail.
- Comedian Jürgen von der Lippe's joke.
- A solution for sweaty feet.
- Instructions for creating a fake fingernail from an old credit card.
- A peculiar experiment with toast, cheese, and slots.
- A grill table with a sink, built from Euro pallets.
- An AI-generated film depicting German politicians indulging at a fast food chain.
- A video of weightlifter Matthias Steiner obtaining an Olympic gold in Beijing.
- A recommendation for alleviating joint pain with a mix of cola and crushed avocado pits.
This music video-like montage, though seemingly diverting, consistently fails to leave a lasting impression. None of the content enriches my life, makes it more beautiful, sustainable, or social. I find myself feeling unwell, much like after consuming excessive marshmallows, unable to satisfy my appetite but. Instead, I become nauseous. This experience with Instagram mirrors that phenomenon.
[Psychological Effects of Excessive Social Media Use, Specifically Instagram (If relevant)]While some may argue that social media platforms like Instagram offer opportunities for social connections and support, excessive usage can brings about negative psychological consequences, particularly for young users. Studies have linked excessive social media use to increased rates of depression, anxiety, loneliness, sleep disruption, suicidal thoughts, and addiction. Even so, it's crucial to maintain a balance, promoting offline activities and tracking daily usage to ensure mental health remains a priority.
- The European Union, with its commitment to a common policy on the environment, urges everyone to reconsider their lifestyle choices, promoting sustainability and responsibility, such as mindful food-and-drink purchases, reducing, reusing, and recycling home-and-garden materials, and minimizing electronic waste in entertainment devices like smartphones, as shown in the montage of Instagram posts.
- Despite the entertainment value obtained from Instagram's diverse content, it is essential to remember the potential psychological impacts, such as increased depression, anxiety, and addiction especially among young users. To achieve a balanced lifestyle, it is crucial to engage in offline activities, prioritize mental health, and limit excessive social media use.
