I have struggled to quit Instagram for a long time. The easiest way to quit is to just delete the app. Yup. How brilliant. Turns out, downloading and logging in doesn’t take more than 2 minutes. So, how do we actually quit Instagram or at least reduce its time?

I figured out how to do it in stages. For this, you’ll have to recognize the types of accounts you follow on IG and start unfollowing them one by one.

First, you should unfollow the celebrities and influencers that make you feel like you lack somewhere or that your life isn’t as exciting as theirs.

Then, move on to the meme pages. Instagram, at this point, just shows the same memes to you and your friends. So, there’s nothing funny you’re missing out on. Your friends will anyway send them to the IG group.

Then, limit the specific interest pages that you follow. You’ll mostly find that the information shared is repetitive or overwhelming. The same applies to the creators who teach. Sometimes, their content becomes too much to comprehend. You’re better off watching their YouTube videos and learning at your own pace.

Then, start unfollowing people you have never met or met only a couple of times (acquaintances). Ask yourself, “If they didn’t update me about their life every day for the next six months, would I be okay?” If yes, it’s better to unfollow them. You’ll meet them anyway once in 6 months to get an update. If you’re not even meeting them once in 6 months, were they really someone you should be following in the first place?

Within your friends, is there anyone who makes you feel low, sad, or anything negative because of their actions, personality, behavior, or anything else? If yes, you’re better off without them. People change. That includes your friends, too. And it’s ok.

When “Social Media” was invented. Its main purpose was to be social digitally, with those you already were in real life. So distance wouldn’t create distance between you and them. So, keep in touch with your friends and family on IG. Don’t be the person who blocks their parents but follows a stranger.

Implement all of this over six months, and you’ll find yourself down to just 10% of your current followers and following. What’s astonishing is realizing you never really needed the other 90% to begin with. Social pressure, fear of missing out, and the need to stay updated with everyone shaped you into someone you didn’t recognize. But now you’re okay. You’ve learned who truly matters and who doesn’t.