I Tried an Instagram Challenge and it Didn’t Drive Me Crazy!
Originally published at https://www.stahpwhaturdoing.info/single-post/I-Tried-an-Instagram-Challenge-and-it-Didnt-Drive-Me-Crazy
Okay, so maybe that title is a bit over-exaggerated, but who else out there feels that Instagram, like all forms of social media, has the tendency to make us very obsessive (*raises digital hand*)? If you’re using social media just to rant about all of the problems that you see in the world, then maybe this article does not pertain to you (which we both know it absolutely does!), but for those who are looking to social media as the platform to get their ideas and voices heard, the thought of millions of eyeballs watching you can lead to some serious high-stakes pressure. An article by Time magazine that was published about a week ago states that “Instagram is the worst social media network for mental health and well-being, according to a recent survey of almost 1,500 teens and young adults.” Last year, as an assignment for a college course on effective communication, I decided to tackle the subject of social media and how it is leading us on the path to emotional self-destruction. I don’t remember the exact results that I gathered, however, let’s just say that social media is frying our brains and our self-esteems are all collectively plummeting. And yes, Instagram is the guilty party in this whole mess.
After my assignment, I did slow down on the social media posting, even considering the fact that my nature is not addictive and I don’t have a strong attachment to digital communication. No surprise, all was fine and well, except for when everything came full-circle this past year. When I made the decision to start my free educational program last November, I was having all of these social media giants telling me that I had to post at least four times a day. Clock-watching became my newest hobby as I counted down the hours until my next scheduled post. This routine was the definition of my life as an unemployed college student who barely left the house other than to accompany her family for weekly errands. The days and months ticked by as I was obliviously consumed by my obligation to social media. Seemingly ridiculous, I made the bold choice to go on a social media detox. I completely abandoned my two Instagram accounts (one personal and the other for my program), occasionally checking in to see how my followers reacted. It’s safe to say that they, or should I call them “bots,” did not take very kindly to my much-needed disconnection. My follower count dramatically dropped and, for a split second, I found myself slipping back into that pattern of nonsensical worry.
It was at this point in time, which in reality was last week, that I came upon Jenna Kutcher and opted to join in on her Instagram challenge. I had heard of this social media trend in passing while browsing online, but clueless to what an Instagram challenge actually required, I gave into curiosity and went into the next five days with an open mind and fairly nimble fingers. Out of respect for Jenna, I won’t reveal the details of the challenge, but I have to commend her for coming up with the themed days that she choose. The lesson in each daily task was not to have the most “likes” or to have the highest-ranking images, Instead, Jenna only asked that we share personal stories, step into the limelight unafraid of criticism and nurture the community that we had begun to build. Instagram has turned into such a competition for ultimate validation that it was refreshing to get back to the heart of what Instagram was originally meant for: sharing. Memories, online friendships, values, thoughts. Shortly after joining Instagram, I fell in love with Instagram not for notoriety; after all, my account was private, but for the simple fact that I could look back on snapshots of my life with nothing but pure happiness. Sadly, that feeling of joy and lightness had begun to disappear before I had joined this Instagram challenge. My admiration for Instagram was reinvigorated. I can monitor the decline in my followers knowing full well that it has nothing to do with me. I choose to use social media as an extension of what I have to offer this world, whenever and in whatever manner I believe most represents me. I will not post for the sake of matching up to a stranger’s expectations. What I share will stir my heart and have meaning. A purpose and a message. Partake in this Instagram challenge with me: post what lies deep within you. What speaks to who you are? What do you believe this world needs? Now go out there and say it!
